7 years ago my little sister Samantha sadly passed away at the age of 33 having suffered pneumonia and having had many battles with sever epilepsy, due to her cerebral palsy.

Due to Covid its been a few years since i have been able to run for Special Stars and i am so happy that i can raise money again for this amazing charity helping families with such challenging circumstances, whilst also remembering my own special little star, Sammy.

Despite all the struggles she had with fits, mobility and an amputation, she still had a smile that would melt the coldest of hearts.

It is through this Charity, Special Stars that I feel I am able to do something positive for young people and adults and their families who have special needs.

Having grown up in a family with a sibling who was dependent on those around her to do everything, I appreciate how tiring and isolating it is and how valuable a charity like Special Stars is.

Since I began running for them, they are now offering activities and sessions for adults with special needs as well as children. 

Had this charity been around when my sister was alive, I know as a family, we would have felt we all had somewhere to go, with like minded people that empathised with how we felt.

So here I go again, this year not as fit as i have been in the past but determined nonetheless, hopefully to earn a little more, to help provide more respite for these special people in our world.

I consider myself to be very very privileged to have experienced caring for my sister and it has taught me to be grateful for who I am and be happy with the life I have been given. 

If Sammy could have ever spoken, I hope she would say she would be proud that I’d do this in her memory.

Thank you for your support.

Special Stars Foundation is a registered charity supporting people with disabilities and their families, in Hull and East Yorkshire. (Registered Charity number: 1156237)We provide a diverse range of inclusive and accessible activities for people with disabilities and their families, with the aim of reducing social isolation. In addition, we offer a range of support, training, therapy and advice services for parent carers.www.heyspecialstars.co.uk