THE CHILDREN'S TRUST IS THE OFFICIAL CHARITY FOR THE 2009 FLORA LONDON MARATHON. REGISTER NOW AND HELP MORE CHILDREN LIKE ALFIE. www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/londonmarathon

In 1999, 10 year old Alfie was knocked off his bike. He suffered a severe head injury and was rushed to Guy’s Hospital. Once in hospital the doctors prepared the family for the worst – if Alfie pulled through he would be unlikely to walk or talk, he could be blind and deaf.

This was a devastating blow to the Russell family. In a matter of a few seconds, their sports mad son, who ran for his school and even trained with the Spurs ‘under 9’s’ team no longer had a future. But, amazingly, after 11½ weeks in the intensive care unit, the immediate crisis was over and Alfie was transferred to The Children’s Trust.

Alfie arrived disorientated; unable to walk or talk, with little movement and unable to eat. The Trust's therapists and teachers designed an intensive 24 hour rehabilitation programme specifically for Alfie and, after months of therapy he was finally able to go home.

It took almost three years for Alfie to recover and although there may be times when he will need some sort of support Alfie is back to being the fun loving and active person he was before his accident. In July 2004 Alfie took part in the Special Olympics and won gold in the 400m relay and has since decided to take on the London Marathon in 2008 in aid of The Children's Trust.

In May 2007 Alfie told his story at the Trust's Mad Hatters lunch and Suzanne Dando, who was a guest was so moved by Alfie's courage that she decided to run the London Marathon 2008 with him. Suzanne represented her country in the Olympic Games, is a former Olympic Gymnast and British Gymnastics Champion. She has carved a successful career in Television, Theatre and the media over the pass 22 years. She has also swore to never run a marathon again until she met Alfie.

Alfie, his trainer, Suzanne and her husband next year are already training very hard but they need your help to raise as much as possible for The Children's Trust. So please dig as deep as you can and support them!

All money raised will be put to good use benefitting the children in our care.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Children's Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor them now!

Many thanks for your support.

THE CHILDREN'S TRUST IS THE OFFICIAL CHARITY FOR THE 2009 FLORA LONDON MARATHON. REGISTER NOW AND HELP THEM HAVE 1,000 RUNNERS. www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/londonmarathon