In early January this year our newly formed family of four was hit by the most shattering news when blood tests revealed Rudy, who was not quite four months old at the time, had a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia. We were completely blindsided and heartbroken. To see our baby in the most grave condition, being rushed to PICU at Southampton General and fighting for his life was the most terrifying experience for us all. 

It was very quickly conveyed to us by the brilliant team at Southampton that we would be looking at a bone marrow transplant as the only form of cure. Chemotherapy courses used to treat more standard types of leukaemia would not rid him of his disease. This is when our path led to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and we were placed into the hands of some of the most incredible people we could hope for. Their knowledge, dedication and professionalism carried Rudy and us through a period of time that was touch and go on more than one occasion. At GOSH Rudy spent time on PICU, Lion, Giraffe, and most recently, on Fox ward. It was on Fox ward where he endured a 3 month stint, mostly in isolation, for his brutal yet vital bone marrow transplant. 

We pinch ourselves daily because we are currently back at home with Rudy - the most resilient and smiley little chap with such a zest for life - and on the right road to recovery. This is down to the team who cared for him at GOSH and we can say without exaggeration they have saved his life up to now. We know there are still plenty of children and parents there, living on those same wards, fearing the same things, who are relying on this hospital and the superheroes who work there to do the same for their child. We are still very reliant on the close monitoring and care we receive and will be for a long time yet. Cancer doesn't stop and it doesn't discriminate. We can never repay GOSH for the treatment we received there (for free! God bless the NHS) but we can go some way to help by fundraising. Therefore we are asking you to dig deep and support us.  

It's not a mammoth endurance feat we are undertaking, far from it - 5k at Hyde Park. However, we are doing it with Rudy, with Sadie, and with our family. The way we have done it from the beginning. This was important to us and we hope to show Rudy photos of himself one day being pushed around the park with his supporters in tow knowing he managed to pay back his incredible hospital in some way. 

The money raised from the race will help to fund ground-breaking research; advanced equipment; child and family support services and the rebuilding and refurbishment of wards and medical facilities.Over the last 10 years RBC Race for the Kids has raised an incredible £5 million for the hospital. In celebration of the 10th anniversary, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity are hoping to raise £1 million from this year’s event. With your support we can get there.