Hi Everyone,

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My daughter, Polly died due to a rare mitochondrial disorder at 14 months old in January 2012. She was continually in hospital from 4 months old, where I stayed with her and we spent the last few months in Bluebell Wood Childrens hospice.

I have another daughter who is now 4 years old (in the picture) and she could not spend much time with us at the hospital. Due to Polly's complex needs and traeceostomy she was on the High Depency Unit which was not suitable for a 2 year old.

When myself, Polly and other daughter transferred to the hospice we were at last able to live as family unit again. You can read my full story on the Bluebellwood Website:

http://www.bluebellwood.org/polly.php

Bluebell Wood Childrens hospice is an amazing facility and service for children with a life limiting illness. There is no statuatory government funding and it costs £3 million a year to run the hospice.

It provides respite for carers, end of life care and bereavment support. The help and support you receive for the child and the family is unbelieable and created some magical memories and makes an unthinkable situation a little more bearable.

As a parent, you are meeting people that are going though similar experiences. There are such lovely staff and people to guide you on the journey of your child's death.

I am overweight but having being going to the gym to combat my depression since Polly died and found the gym a great escape and feel happy there and found the staff so helpful. Now with the help of my personal trainer Kerry and everyone at the gym I had a mission to complete the Endurer Dash on 28th Sept 2013 to raise funds for a much needed charity. The Endurer dash is a very tough physical and mental challege for me, unfortunately in April I became very weak and tired and had many pains. I had an iron deficiency and it is has since been found I have Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME). Getting through the day and caring for my 4 year old is a challenge in itself. Also my Grandma passed away 15th June 2013 which has been upsetting. Therefore, I will need to re-consider the challenge for BBW and wish to return the gym.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

I really don't know how I would have coped with my daughter's death and looking after another child as a single parent without Bluebell Wood, who are still supporting me now.

So please dig deep and donate now to help other families like mine. I am sorry I have not been able to complete the Endurer dash I hope you understand.

Thank you for your generousity and apologise for delay in completing a challenge.

I will be doing a challenge which will be worth you donating!!!

Cheryl xx