Laura and Han wanted a physical challenge this year whilst on the summer holidays and thought why not tie it in with a fantastic cause. We are going to run 24 miles in 24 hours - 1 mile every hour on the hour - yes that means through the night! If we have it in the tank we will try to round it up to a full marathon but we will decide on the day (Tuesday 25th August).

We chose to support Ronnie’s progress as its a story that is close to home. Laura played netball with Becky (Ronnie’s mum) for 2 years at University and Ronnie is only a few weeks younger than Georgie. When Laura proposed the challenge and charity, Hannah fell in love with the story and the idea (maybe not the distance). 

Ronnie’s story (in his parents words):

Ronnie is remarkable in every sense of the word. He is a determined 2 year old from Rugby who came into the world at 28 weeks. His resilient start took a massive step back when we were told that Ronnie had suffered a substantial brain injury and cysts had begun to leave holes in his brain. That day our world came crashing down! 

Ronnie was diagnosed with bilateral cystic PVL which would evolve into cerebral palsy. To what extent this diagnosis would affect him was a total unknown. 

Fast forward and Ronnie is a beautiful smiley little boy. Ronnies CP affects all 4 of his limbs. He also suffers from epilepsy and a cortical visual impairment. Ronnie cannot roll unaided, sit, crawl or walk. Ronnies capacity to speak is affected and he has swallowing difficulties. Ronnie is totally reliant on us for everything. 

Ronnie has physio and SALT courtesy of our fantastic NHS. Although we try our best with hours of physio at home, the intervention that Ronnie needs far exceeds what the NHS and us as parents can offer in terms of benefit but also in cost. Ronnie has started private movement therapy sessions. The more therapy we can provide Ronnie with now, the bigger positive impact it will have on his development and independence. 

Our remarkable boy is improving lots and he has so much potential its just a case of unlocking it. Early intervention is key whilst Ronnie is little so that new neuro pathways can be built to learn new skills such as sitting, crawling and potentially walking in the future. As he gets bigger, his body will give up on that potential so therapies now are vital for Ronnie to help live a full life!

Our son is the most amazing little soul! The sky is the limit for our fighter and helping Remarkable Ronnie to reach his potential would be the most immense gift we could ever give him! Just4Children need your support in providing Ronnie with a bright future! 

Just4Children need your support to help Ronnie push the boundaries and reach his full potential through therapies and equipment.