On 21st April 2013 I will be running the London Marathon in aid of SCCWID. As I am sure many of you are aware fitness has not always been a strong point of mine and running the marathon is going to be a real challange! So I ask you all to please dig deep and donate - your money will be going to a truely amazing charity which is close to my heart and any donation will make a difference.

SCCWID was set up by my good friend Harry Watson's sister, Sophie Watson in 1997 aged 14, who at the time was being treated for cancer in the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Sophie died in January 2000.

SCCWID stands for "SOPHIES CAMPAIGN FOR THE CHILDREN'S WARD FOR INTERESTING THINGS TO DO". 

Sophie started SCCWID to create a more comfortable and interesting environment for children who are being treated in hospital for lengthy periods. Teenagers and children with cancer can spend long and traumatic periods in hospital: undergoing chemotherapy or recovering from surgery. So, Sophie started to help the John Radcliffe, and the children with cancer there, by raising funds to buy individual items which would improve young patients quality of life, while undergoing treatment. The first step was the purchase of computers, computer games, televisions, microwaves and an ice machine, as well as brightly coloured duvet covers, pictures for the walls, beds for parents, etc. The next step was to rebuild the Playroom in Ward 4B - the children's cancer ward in The John Radcliffe. 

Soon after Sophie died, the formal announcement was made that a new purpose-built children's hospital would be constructed in the grounds of the John Radcliffe, to open in January 2007. The charity co-ordinators at the John Radcliffe asked that SCCWID's efforts be directed towards raising funds for the "quality of life" elements in the teenage unit and other areas of this new hospital. As part of this, funds raised will be used for facilities for parents to stay with their children in hospital, which is vital for the wellbeing of the children.

 

Please have a look at the charity's website (link below) and thank you for your support.

 

www.sccwid.com