Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Matt and I met working together for Wasps Rugby Club. As some of you will know Matt's Daughter Isabelle was born in 2019 and suffered a neonatal stroke damaging part of the brain that controls her right side. 

I am taking on the Bannister Series 24 Hour Track race to raise funds required to help Isabelle complete a CIMT (Constraint Induced Movement Therapy) course which is currently not available on the NHS.

I am aiming to run 100 miles which is 403 laps of the Iffley Road Running Track in 24 hours.

Here is Izzys story:

"My name is Izzy and I am 3 years old (nearly 4!). I have Right Sided Hemiplegia which is a form of Cerebral Palsy.

Hemiplegia means I have weakness, stiffness and a lack of control on my right side of my body. My right side can feel heavy, tense or tired and stiffer than the other side. I feel hot or cold temperatures more acutely with my right hand. I can often forget my right hand is there and not use it! Fine motor skills are a challenge for me and I wear a hand splint to help open my hand and maintain my range of movement. I can walk; whilst many children with Hemiplegia can't! However my balance is not good and I often trip/fall over. I get tired very easily as my body is working so hard. I also wear a leg splint to help keep my heel down and stop me walking on my toes. This helps to stretch my calf and promote hip development. As I grow the tightness becomes worse and makes everyday normal tasks more difficult e.g. putting on clothes, going up/down stairs, washing.

Despite my daily challenges, I am a very bubbly little girl who loves to sing, run around and play. With your help and support my future could be a lot brighter."

Hemiplegia is a relatively rare condition, affecting up to 1 child in 1,000. The condition is lifelong and non-progressive. Hemiplegia cannot be cured, but a lot can be done to minimise its effects and help Izzy achieve her potential. Hemiplegia affects each child differently and it may however look different over time, as Izzy grows. Her full story can be found here: https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/isabelle-blay/

For more information on the The Bannister Series please see the following link: https://rasselbock.co.uk/event/the-bannister-series/

If you'd like to find out more about Tree of Hope use this link: https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/