The Russell Runner's Fundraising Page
leo russell is raising money for Piam Brown Ward
Participants: Alan, Jacob, Leo Russell and Marcus Hancock
Story
Russell's Running Reading
We are running the Reading Half Marathon on 2 March 2008 to raise funds for the paediatric oncology ward ward that is treating Freddie Cordle: the Paim Brown Ward in Southampton Hospital.
On 15 March 2007 Freddy, at the age of 5 was diagnosed with leukemia.
He has a treatment course that runs for 3 years and 3 months, the first year consists of back to back chemo followed by a slightly lesser maintenance course.
He finishes his course in June 2010... that's the goal.
.....and our goal is to raise a target sum of £20,000 to support the ward that is treating this brave young man.
The Running Russell's consist of Alan Russell (53) as you may well know if you're looking at this site, has 6 children (21-11), two of whom will be joining him in this effort: Jacob (20) and Leo (17).
Alan was devastated to hear Rupert and Camilla's news of Freddie's illness. All of us with children and loved ones feel so lucky for good health and happiness knowing that vulnerability potentially hides behind every corner.
We all so treasure our family unit and felt inspired by Camilla's efforts to fund raise by running the race herself in the middle of what must be the most difficult year of the Cordle family life, We hope that our joining forces behind her might help boost morale as well as the fund raising efforts.
Please get behind us and help make a difference.
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust General Charitable Fund 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 me now!
Many thanks for your support.
20 Jan Progress Report:
With six weeks to go, and the first two weeks of training undertaken we’re finding the prospect of making it round on the day more than daunting.
Luckily everyone seems to have a whole host of useful tips and I have to say that the wonderful support of the sponsorship to date does hugely help inspire, especially as ‘there’s no going back now’!
There’s a chance of two more people joining our squad and we’ll keep you updated on that front.
We’re all in one piece and hoping that these intial aches and pains will fade as our fitness improves.
Jacob’s got the tough job of training on his own, but being based in Florence has at least some beautiful streets to pound!
Keep going Jake.
(His first run was an ambitious 8 miles which left him unable to walk for 3 days… hope he’s pacing himself a little better now!)
27 January: 5 weeks to go!
Fundraising has been little short of miraculous! Tho we can’t imagine this level of influx can continue much longer! We are all so hugely grateful and amazed at your generosity, it certainly keeps the training going with gusto! … and at times, possibly with too much gusto!
Leo’s 8 mile effort mid week left him 2 days later having to pull up within half a mile of starting a short training run with knee problems.
Alan’s managed 3 runs this week, of 3,4 and 6 miles… and each session seems to be easier, so the training IS paying off! Piped ipod assistance and Camilla’s psycho-notes are certainly bearing fruits! Visits to the gym after the runs for serious stretching sessions with his trainer has meant that no stiffness ensues.
Jake’s clocked up 22 miles in total in training and is being dogged by blisters and sore knees necessitating a few days off.
3 February and 4 weeks to go!
Little change from the above save for the runners knees are dogging them with pain and causing them to take it easy more often than they should be! Alan didn't manage to run all week with achilles tendon problems and Leo and Jake have done less than they wanted due to knee problems. This is alot harder (for us) than you might imagine!
On the other hand sponsorship support has continued to amaze us and keeps us motivated. People are so generous and caring and we thank you all! Freddy's treatment continues unabated and our thoughts for him and his family are constantly at the forefront of this whole effort. Warmest thoughts and support from us all, sponsors and runners alike to the Cordles x
Sunday, 2 March 2008
Well, they all made it! ...and all in fine form and good spirits too.
Marcus cruised in first in what must have been 1 hour 40 ish! Now that's one fit man! Next came Jacob which was amazing as his training had come to a halt over the past 2 weeks due to a cold and cough. Camilla was hot on his heels... having overtaken her trainer! Leo was next, suffering none of the expected knee problems and Alan was just behind. We're still not sure of the times but I think our last man in was just over the 2 hour mark... times will be confirmed when the net lists them.
The Cordles hosted the most wonderful lunch for all involved which was just the perfect finale to what has been the most incredible journey. Freddie was in the thick of it all, sparky and cheerful and most importantly, through the first years' most intensive part of his treatment.
Without the sponsorship and support of you all that backed us, it would have been a grim and tough trip and with your generosity we feel that a real contribution is being made to a very special ward, caring for little ones very much in need. We'll be writing to you all... but in the meantime, I just wanted you to get news from today's efforts. A heartfelt thank you.