This November both Alicia Wiley and Liam Norman (Stepmum & Stepson) will be running at Alton Towers Theme Park in loving memory of Katrina Wiley and in aid of global children’s charity, Merlin’s Magic Wand.

This wonderful charity supports children facing challenges of serious illness, disability or adversity by supplying tickets and travel grants to enable them to visit Merlin’s attractions. However, some children are faced with conditions and circumstances that prevent them from making the trip. This is why the charity invests in Merlin's Magic Spaces. Merlin's Magic Spaces is a local outreach project designed to ensure that local children who are prevented from visiting Merlin’s attractions due to severe illness, physical disability or other exceptional circumstances still have the opportunity to experience the unique magic of Merlin.

LIAM: “I am doing this 5km (3.1 Miles) Run at Alton Towers for the charity Merlin’s Magic Wand and also in loving memory of Katrina. When she passed away I felt really, really sad and I felt like a bit of my heart was missing, so that’s why I am doing this run - so kids can have the same experiences as I have. My Stepmum surprised me with an 11th Birthday Trip to Alton Towers and we stayed in the Stargazing Pods, my favourite ride was the Wickerman and I loved the Splash Landings Waterpark. My Dad planned a surprise family holiday to Legoland for us and we all had an amazing time too. 

I never run so this will be a really really hard challenge to complete but, I am going to push myself as hard as I can and then even harder so that kids with disabilities and illnesses can have a wonderful time at Alton Towers and Legoland, just like I did and make special memories with their family”. 

ALICIA: “It gives me a lot of comfort to know that I have so many happy, exciting and adrenaline fuelled memories with Katrina, especially at Alton Towers, as well as Thorpe Park and Legoland Windsor. Katrina lost her battle with life to suicide at such a young age and was taken well before her time - but the staggering amount of memories that we made as a family at these attractions can never be taken away and will always hold a very special place in my heart and spur me on to achieve great things in Katrina’s name.

Merlin Entertainment is home to the best family attractions that gives people places where they can share the most incredible experiences and make unforgettable memories along the way. I will be challenging myself to participate in my first ever race (since sports day at Primary School), that being a HALF MARATHON to raise vital funds for Merlin’s Magic Wand! It will be amazing to train with Liam and to have him alongside me on this fundraising journey to remember our Katrina, whilst helping others along the way. 

I believe that every child should have access to experience all of the magic that Merlin has to offer despite the personal circumstances that they face, at one of their incredible family attractions or experience one of Merlin’s Magic Spaces across hospices, hospitals orphanages and centres. Including extensive themed themed sensory therapy and play rooms, gardens, and innovative mobile entertainment systems, as well as many other inspiring and transformative projects. 

Making precious memories and sharing magical moments with your family, is absolutely everything.”