On 5th November 2024 our son Elliot was diagnosed with an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) in his brain.  None of us had ever heard of this before but it is a very serious and rare condition leaving him at high risk of a rupture that could lead to brain damage or death. 

Following months of meetings, scans, invasive procedures and a preliminary operation, Elliot underwent a gruelling brain surgery at King's College Hospital on 2nd June 2025.    

Elliot was looked after by a truly amazing team consisting of many neurosurgeons ( 4 in the operating theatre alone but others leading up to and after the surgery), anaesthetists, radiologists, doctors, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and many other outstanding healthcare professionals.  The AVM removal was a success and, although he will continue to be monitored in the future in order to ensure that the AVM does not return, his recovery has been nothing short of amazing.   

Admirably, Elliot faced this huge challenge with tremendous courage and with his signature smile and humour. 

In gratitude for the wonderful team that have given Elliot the opportunity to live the long, fulfilling and healthy life that he deserves, I will be running for King's College Hospital on April 12th 2026 in the London Landmarks Half Marathon with my dear friend Kim to raise vital funds for the Paediatric, Teen and Adolescent Neurosurgery Wards where Elliot was so excellently cared for.

The Teen and Adolescent Neurosurgery Ward is a specialist ward designed with teenagers in mind and where a parent can still stay overnight with their child. This offers a huge sense of peace of mind for parents in what is otherwise a hugely difficult and stressful time. I would like to raise as much money as possible to ensure that this vital service remains available to other teenagers and their families in the future.

The half marathon distance is 13.1 miles. Approximately 1 mile for every hour that Elliot spent in the Neurosurgery theatre suite.

Thank you so much in advance for donating whatever you can, it really will make a massive difference.