On Friday 24th March 2017, Violet-Grace Youens was run over whilst crossing the road with her Nanny in a hit-and-run by a stolen car. Sadly, Violet-Grace passed away the next day. However, she went on to save many lives by donating her organs. Violet has also since inspired other remarkable people to join the Organ Donor Register.

Violet-Graces Gift was created in her loving memory to promote organ donation, help local hospitals, community projects, bereaved parents and seriously ill children.

As a charity close to the heart of the company that I work for, I will be running a marathon distance from nursery to nursery to help raise vital funds so they can carry on their great work.

On 20th August, 2026 I will start at Portico West End (L39 1PA) at 08.45 and make my way over to Portico Kindergarten (L39 6SF). From there, I will head to the Rainford bypass and down the East Lancs Road to Portico Moss Bank (WA11 7PQ), then back up to Windle Island through Eccleston to Portico Lodge (L35 7JS). The next leg will be back down to Prescot Road heading to Portico Poppets (WA9 5UQ) with the final leg running up Elephant Lane, over into Sherdley Park and out again via Leaside and Lowfield Lane towards Portico Nursery (WA9 5GG) on the Mere Grange Business Park.

Never having ran further than half marathon distance, this will be a massive challenge for me to take on the training and complete the run, so I truly appreciate the smallest of donations to help keep me motivated along the way to support this amazing charity.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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***A letter from Portico Day Nurseries***

Dear Parents and Carers,

We’re excited to share some wonderful news about an upcoming event on 20th August! Our area manager, Sarah Fillingham, who we are sure you’ve met, will be running her very first marathon.

She’ll kick off the run from our Portico West End setting in Ormskirk and will visit all six of our settings, finishing at our Portico Mere Grange setting in St Helens. Sarah's marathon is in support of a charity that holds a special place in our hearts at Portico Day Nurseries: Violet-Grace’s Gift.

Back in March 2017, tragedy struck when Violet-Grace Youens and her grandmother, Angela French, were crossing Prescot Road in St Helens, Merseyside, and were hit by a speeding vehicle. Violet tragically passed away in hospital with her loving parents by her side, and her brave parents,

Glenn and Becky, decided to donate her organs, which ultimately saved two lives.

At that time, Violet’s baby brother, Oliver, was attending Portico Lodge in Prescot. Oliver enjoyed the stability he needed while Glenn, Becky, and their family focused on supporting her seriously ill mother and coping with their devastating loss. Over the years, Portico has proudly supported this incredible charity. For those familiar with St Helens, you may have noticed our Portico Mere Grange setting features a life-size giraffe named Violet, honouring her memory. Violet-Grace’s Gift, established by Glenn and Becky, aims to promote organ donation, support local hospitals, community projects, and assist seriously ill children. We would greatly appreciate your help in raising funds for this amazing charity. If each parent and team member contributes just £1, we could generate over £1,000! Please find the link to Sarah’s JustGiving page below. The children will be cheering Sarah onat each setting, and any parents who wish to join her on her journey for small run to keep her going, you would be very welcome.

Kind regards, Nicole Politis

***A message from Becky and Glenn***

I just want to say on behalf of me, Glenn and our whole family, thank you for all the support you have given us over the years. We are truly grateful! My little bauble with Violet the giraffe in it still holds pride of pace on my Christmas tree too 💜

To Sarah, you are absolutely amazing taking on this challenge in memory of our beautiful Violet and we are so grateful you chose to support Violet’s charity.

When Violet died, we always feared that what if people forgot about her and it broke our hearts. However, thanks to lovely people like you, and Nicole, she is not forgotten and you are also helping lots of people at their worst times of their lives. The money raised really does make a difference to grieving families especially 💜

Thank you so much again and we can’t wait to cheer you on!

We are honoured you will be completing your marathon with Violet’s beautiful face on your top.