Myself and Ben have set ourselves the challenge of completing a half marathon to raise money for Molly Olly’s Wishes, a charity that supports children with life-threatening illness and helps families with their emotional well-being.

Why We Run

Your world changes entirely when you hear the words, “your child has a cancerous brain tumor.” As a parent, it is almost impossible to find the words to tell your ten-year-old child such devastating news. Molly Olly’s Wishes helps families through moments like these. They gave Kai a therapeutic toy lion, Olly the Brave, which came with a central line and educational story books. These resources gave me the strength and courage to explain, in an age-appropriate way, what Kai might experience during his diagnosis and treatment. The value of these materials cannot be overstated.

In addition, Molly Olly’s Wishes granted Kai a wish—an iPad—which made the endless surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy appointments a little more bearable. The joy on Kai’s face when he received this gift is a memory I’ll cherish forever. Each wish granted has a value of up to £500, so we would love to raise as close to that amount as possible to help another child or family facing similar challenges.

It has now been 14 months without Kai, and while each day grows harder, the challenge of this half marathon and the opportunity to give something back brings a welcome distraction from the pain.

About Molly Olly’s Wishes

Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw founded Molly Olly’s Wishes in 2011 after their daughter Molly sadly passed away from cancer aged eight. I recently met Rachel at a fundraising event and had the opportunity to share Kai’s story. It was only then I learned that this wonderful charity also funded paediatric palliative care services at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. I am truly inspired by how their family has transformed their loss into a source of hope for others, and continues to help those walking the same difficult path. You never think it will happen to you—until it does. It’s unfortunate that we only discover life-changing charities like this when we need them most.

How You Can Support

If you are able to donate, any amount—no matter how small—will make a difference. Times are tough for many, and even a pound is gratefully appreciated. More importantly, please share this message with friends and family to help us spread awareness for Molly Olly’s Wishes. Every act of kindness, whether donating or sharing, directly supports children and families in need.

Our goal is to complete the half marathon, although we might walk some of it! I will be envisioning Kai’s beautiful face at the finish line, smiling, cheering us on, and hopefully feeling proud. Those who knew Kai would remember his words, 'If I can get through two 9-hour brain surgeries, then you can get through this.' I miss my boy so much.

Thank you very much for your support—it means the world to us. Your generosity and kindness truly brings hope to families in need.