40 Events for Vranch House

I’m turning 40 this year, and I wanted to mark it by taking on a challenge that means a huge amount to me and my family.

Over the next 12 months, I’ll be taking part in 40 organised events to raise money for Vranch House School in Exeter.

The events will include half marathons, marathons, ultramarathons, cycling events, duathlons and other challenges along the way.

Vranch House has been a huge part of our lives through our son, Rudi.

Rudi was diagnosed with Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS) when he was very young, and the first six months of his life were incredibly frightening for us as a family.

We were suddenly dealing with a rare condition we knew very little about, with so much uncertainty around what the future might look like for him.

Those early months were filled with hospital appointments, worry and questions we simply didn’t have answers to.

As Rudi grew, it became clear that his development was going to look very different.

For many years he was unable to walk, struggled to communicate and was non verbal. He has had to work incredibly hard for things that most of us take for granted.

But the progress he has made has been amazing.

Rudi is now walking independently, becoming more confident on his feet and continuing to make progress with his speech and communication.

Watching him achieve things that once felt so far away has meant everything to us.

Vranch House has played such an important part in that journey.

The school provides specialist education, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, hydrotherapy and so much more for children with complex physical and learning needs.

We have seen first hand the difference that this support can make, not just for Rudi, but for so many children and families.

In the past, money we have helped raise has gone towards projects including a walkway linking the school with the hydrotherapy pool, helping children get to their important therapy sessions more safely and easily.

So, as I turn 40, I want to take on something substantial in support of a school that has given so much to our family and many others.

Over the next year, I’ll be taking on 40 different events. Some will be local, some further afield, and some will push me well outside my comfort zone.

My aim is simple: to raise as much money as possible for Vranch House, helping them continue to provide the facilities, therapy, opportunities and support that make such a difference to the children who attend.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will be hugely appreciated.

If you can donate, share the page or support the challenge along the way, thank you.

Ben