In June 2020, three-year-old Jude Chinn sadly passed away at Bristol Children’s Hospital after a brief illness.  I grew up with his family in Taunton and followed as they completed their inspirational JogleForJude fundraising journey in the summer of 2021 - riding from John O’Groats to Land’s End.  

Most parents would find Jude’s story unnerving, another reason to give your child an extra hug at bedtime, read them that extra story or enjoy a bit of a longer wrestle even if most of you wants to give in already (with two boys, it can hurt!!).  Being the dad of a three-year-old cheeky and smiley chap - and after reading more about the great work that the hospital does, how they try to bring a little light to the darkest of times and the many heart-breaking stories that should never happen, I decided to get involved.

So onto my challenge…  I’ve been a runner for years although for relatively shorter distances peaking at half-marathon, but this needed to be a bit of challenge.  Over the course of six weeks starting 22 May 2022, I will be aiming to complete a ‘clean sweep’ of six running distances, completing the following:

• Half-marathon (Great West Run - Exeter, 22nd May)
• Marathon (Exeter, 28th May)
• 5km (Cranbrook (Devon) Park Run, 4th June)
• 50km (Exeter to Taunton, 11th June)
• 10km (Plymouth 10km, 19th June)
• 100km (Cotswolds Challenge, 25th June)

Your generous donations will be added to Jude’s special Star Tribute Fund which will be used to support children and families on the Seahorse Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Bristol Children’s Hospital. Jude's fund supports The Grand Appeal's family accommodation ensuring parents have somewhere free and safe to stay, it helps to fund two PICU research nurses, equipment on the ward, supports specialist staff that provide a diverse arts, music and play programme to patients and ensures parent facilities, such as the kitchen area and quiet room on the ward are kept well equipped and comfortable for families when needed.  Since mid-March, the hospital has been treating children evacuated from Ukraine and needing cancer treatment, hoping to offer them a healthier and safer future.

Please join me in supporting this fantastic cause in aid of all those children who deserve more from life.