When my middle son was born, in 2000 he was diagnosed with a condition called Ocular Albinism which is a genetic condition that primarily affects the eyes. This condition reduces the colouring (pigmentation) of the iris, which is the colored part of the eye, and the retina , which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Pigmentation in the eye is essential for normal vision. This condition also resulted in further conditions Astigmatism and Nystagmus. As a result Alex suffers from a visual impairment and spent most of his early years under the magnificent care of GOSH where he underwent corrective surgery on his eyes to reduce the effect of Nystagmus.

During the countless visits that we made to GOSH it always amazed me how dedicated and inspiring the hospital and its staff were but what always stood out for me were the smiles on the faces of the children; considering some of the illnesses and treatments it was both humbling and inspiring to see such happiness, trust and determination. 

So, just before the pandemic started in March 2020 I had made a decision I needed to lose a bit of weight, which I did over the following 8 months; hitting my target in September 2020. I did this through better and less eating but mainly by walking, mile after mile after mile. However, latterly I started to convince myself that I could jog a little bit instead of just walking, so for the last five or six months I have been regularly jogging a few K's and now Alex, who is also doing this run to raise money for the Guide Dogs, has talked me into committing to a proper run, hence where I now find myself !!!!

Every day brings new challenges at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Every day, 618 children and young people from across the UK arrive. Every day, doctors and nurses battle the most complex illnesses, and the brightest minds come together to achieve pioneering medical breakthroughs. And every day is a chance for you to make a difference.This extraordinary hospital has always depended on charitable support to give seriously ill children the best chance to fulfill their potential.A better future for seriously ill children STARTS HERE.