Right, with 7 weeks to go and in classic Bird Fashion we are announcing this slightly last minute!

The Bird Boys are hitting the road and running the London marathon as a 4! This year we have been lucky enough to have been allocated one of the ten assisted running places in the London Marathon. We will be running with Justin in a custom-built manual chair with goal of completing the distance in under 4 hours.

Many of you will know us – some maybe not – we are Oliver, Alastair, Justin and Tristan Bird. Justin and Tristan were born on the 29th February 2000; 16 weeks premature. Both born with unique complications, Justin with severe cerebral palsy and Tristan with renal kidney failure. Despite this initial unique scenario, we have never let this slow us down as a family, from climbing volcanoes, to sailing and fishing every summer, each twin has grabbed life by the balls and hasn’t let go yet. We are immensely proud of the young men they have grown into and look forward to crossing the line together.

Part of the reason we have taken our time with announcing the above is because we were unable to decide upon a cause to represent. Over the years we benefitted from and become close to several causes each unique to our journey.

We have chosen to represent two charities. The first Alder Hey Childrens Hospital. Alder Hey is the Great Ormond Street of the north. Both twins have benefitted from the unbelievable facilities, skill and kindness provided by staff. In 2016 Justin received lifechanging surgery from the Alder Hey Spinal Ward improving his life considerably. The following year – after lifetime of difficulties – Tristan received a new kidney (via mum) in the Alder Hey Renal Ward. The care and expertise provided before, during, and after both operations blew us away and we know alleviated many of the concerns we had carried as a family since their birth.

Our second charity is Wizz Kidz, a charity set up to provide funding to help families purchase a child’s first powered wheelchair. Having seen the change a powered wheelchair evoked in Justin, we believe every child should be provided with a means to explore and make their own way in life.

Not a Team to shirk from a challenge, we are aiming to raise £5,000 for these terrific charities, all donations would be greatly appreciated and genuinely do make a difference.

Thank you,

Ol, Al, Tris, Jus.