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Justin Crook

Justin's running the London Marathon

Fundraising for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity
£5,695
raised of £4,500 target
by 175 supporters
Donations cannot currently be made to this page
Event: London Marathon 2019, on 28 April 2019
In memory of William Crook
Join #TeamGOSH in running the Virgin Money London Marathon 2019 to help give seriously ill children the chance of a better future.

Story

As you can see I'm going to attempt to run the London Marathon 2019...

All of my friends and family and also some complete strangers have said that they would like to raise money for William which is fantastic and overwhelming at times.

Being William's Daddy it is my turn to on another challenge for myself to raise some money in memory of my son and the fantastic care that he received whilst being at Great Ormond Street for 14 months of his life. During his care he underwent quite a few operations unfortunately some of them I missed due to having to work and also look after our other son Thomas. Some of the operations I attended but when you have to wait either in the ward where he had his treatment (Eagle Ward) or in the canteen area it is both really emotional and it felt like a lifetime for an operation that only took 1-2 hours, as all we wanted to do was be with him 24/7.

On the day that William died, I had arranged with my wife Claire to give her a day off so that she could attend a spa as a treat with her sisters which they had arranged for her. So I took the time off work, to attend his regular dialysis session that occurred 4 days a week. This would give her albeit a small break, but to be fair she needed it. 

Unfortunately, William fell asleep in the taxi and didn't wake up, I did CPR on him and the taxi driver with whom we built a close bond, took me to the Royal Free Hospital which is enroute to GOSH. William was pronounced dead at 10:27am on the 4th June 2014, which made him almost 14 months. As you guess Claire did not attend the spa as she came straight to the hospital where the taxi driver met them and moved the car and also paid for the car parking ticket.

We held a celebration of life for William on the 19th June 2014, the church was pack with family and friends including many of the nurses that looked after and cared for William whilst in GOSH. Everyone was asked to wear purple to represent Great Ormond Street colours. Nothing prepares you for any of these moments. But I had the pleasure of carrying our little boy out of the church to the awaiting car. Now as parents this is something that you should never have to do.

My previous challenge a few years ago was with a group of friends who managed to pull me out of a hole and get me through it, by giving me the best support that I needed. This time I'm on my own. Don't get me wrong I will be getting support from others whilst running some long runs as they also train for marathons. I will also be running some on my own. If you do see me plodding about please give me a toot or a honk or even a whistle, either way I know that I will have friends, family and William's support whilst I do this.

This event gives me a chance to raise much needed funds that the hospital needs to help and hopefully cure some of the children that at the hospital.

Even if you are able to donate £1.00 this will help, currently the Brighter Future Fund has been asked to fund a new dialysis machine that can be used on the very young, even young than William.

Thank you from a determined Daddy who is going to smash the granny out of it. xxx

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About the campaign

Join #TeamGOSH in running the Virgin Money London Marathon 2019 to help give seriously ill children the chance of a better future.

About the charity

We fundraise to enhance Great Ormond Street Hospital’s ability to transform the health and wellbeing of children and young people. Donations help to fund advanced medical equipment, child and family support services, pioneering research and rebuilding and refurbishment.

Donation summary

Total raised
£5,694.40
+ £705.10 Gift Aid
Online donations
£5,694.40
Offline donations
£0.00

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