Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On Sunday 12th October 2014, I will be running the Royal Parks Half Marathon on behalf of good friends' son, Aidan Pond. Aidan tragically passed away on the 1st March this year aged just 19 months having been diagnosed in July 2013 with a rare disease called Mitochondrial Disease. When a person has Mitochondrial Disease, the Mitochondria in the cells aren't able to prduce enough energy which means the body's organs cannot function properly. There are no effective cures or treatments for this terrible disease.

Following his diagnosis, Adian spent the next 8 months in the care of the Evelina Children's Hospital in London and the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton. During this time, Aidan's parents (my friends Lucy and Simon) and sister Evelyn, were dependent on the accommodation provided by Ronald MacDonald House in order to stay close to Aidan and be together as much as possible as a family. I know without this support, it would have made a tremedously difficult time for them even harder to bear. One night's accommodation costs £25 per family and I am looking to raise enough to provide 19 nights' accommodation (the average length of stay) for those families who will need the comfort, support and safe environment of Ronald MacDonald House so they can be close to their children in hospital. Please see the link to its website highlighting the important work of the charity.

http://www.rmhc.org.uk

Aidan's mum Lucy recently posted Aidan's story which is available to read on the Lily Foundation website

http://www.thelilyfoundation.org.uk/our-inspirations/aidan-pond/

Thank you very much in advance for any support you are able to give.