In a suitably 2012 Olympic spirit, but contrary to all medical / sporting advice Sinead and Will are going to run the Edinburgh marathon at the end of May to raise money for 5 year old Xanthe Carter.

Xanthe is Will's niece who contracted pneumococcal meningitis at 9 months old and as a consequence suffered a major stroke. She was critically ill and spent 3 weeks in intensive care on a life support machine, but thanks to some extraordinary medical support and the ongoing care of her family and helpers, she is battling through and is now managing to cope with the devastating after effects of her illness. The damage has been severe - she is currently unable to walk or talk, has learning difficulties and also suffers from epilepsy which inhibits her development.

But despite this, she has grown into a happy girl with an infectious giggle, a massive smile and an extraorinary ability to flirt and charm when she chooses - in every way possible she is proving to be quite a fighter. 

So we are raising money for the 1:1 physiotherapy, conductive education and speech and language therapy that Xanthe will need in the years ahead. Such intense treatment is critical to her development but such focussed care comes at a very high cost. 

Many of you were extraordinarily generous before when Will raised money for the hospital that saved Xanthes life and we are only too aware that we are in the season of charitable fundraising when you may be inundated with requests ... but we would be extremely grateful if you were able to help us reach our ambitious target of £7,500. The money will go to the ‘Tree of Hope Childrens Charity’ which will provide gift vouchers that Xanthe's parents can then exchange for this much needed care. 

Training hasn't been pretty and race day wont be any better but if both of us stop talking for at least half of the race there is a good chance we will finish! 

Love

Sinead and Will