Im currently in training to run my first marathon. Its not been an easy ride...even though I really enjoy running! Ive had to push myself harder than ever. There have been tears and blood and a heck of a lot of sweat! Broken toes, torn ligaments, hours of physiotherapy, 5 pairs of trainers and hours and hours and HOURS pounding the streets full of self doubt. But this week, I got to 20 miles so I thpught it was time to start the funding bit!

I was inspired to help Finley out when his beautiful Grandmother, a friend of mine, put herself through a lot to complete a Triathlon in his name. If she could do this, so could I!

Here‘s Finleys story. Its a long read but the young boy is worth your time.

Finley was born on 21st December 2013, after a healthy pregnancy we should have been enjoying our beautiful baby boy but instead Finley was showing signs of illness and his health was deteriorating. We returned to hospital and Finley was transferred and admitted to the Evelina hospital in London for specialist care. At just 2 days old Finley was diagnosed with GBS meningitis, his little body battling such a devastating infection. Doctors worked endlessly for days to help Finley but the infection caused uncontrollable seizures which had a life changing impact. Finley suffered severe brain damage resulting in quadriplegic cerebral palsy and epilepsy along with a list of further health problems and we were told to expect the worst as Finley was given just a few weeks to live. After spending over 3 weeks in hospital and being away from our eldest son we decided as parents it was time to take Finley home, love him, cherish him and make lasting memories till it was time to say goodbye. At home the weeks began to pass and he was still with us despite many scary moments with apneas, many tears from us believing these would be his last moments. As time went on Finley began to show small signs of development, his vision improved and we started to get smiles. These small signs showed what an incredible little boy Finley is. Finley was a fighter and is still the biggest fighter we know. Finley is now 3 and a half with a cheeky smile and a personality to match it. His progress is slow, with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and epilepsy plus further complex issues, Finley is still unable to speak yet understands everything your average 3 and a half year old should and shows so much determination and spirit, he wants nothing more than to be on his feet and enjoy every part of his life. With NHS physiotherapy being limited we are left with no option but to start on the costly journey of private therapy. We would like to help Finley reach his full potential to be able to walk but without weekly physio Finley's dreams to walk may never be possible and as parents with limited funds this breaks our hearts. So far Finley has improved his strength since starting weekly physio and is currently working on core stability to gain better balance and strength. To be able to maintain Finley's progress we need to raise funds to pay for continuing therapy to make Finley's dreams become a reality. With just one wage coming in and no money tree at the bottom of the garden the pot is running dry. We love Finley so much and hope not to let him down with his struggles to thrive. Over the coming year before he starts school we are hoping to raise £15000 to help pay for his weekly physio and any equipment he'd need during this time. This money would change his life forever and help him continue on his path of progression, please help keep his dreams alive and consider donating, you would be helping Finley more than you'd ever know.Thank you for reading Finley's story we will be forever grateful for any donations to help Finley's first footsteps.

You can keep up to date with Finley's progress by following this Facebook page.

Www.facebook.com/Finleysfirstfootsteps