Imagine… just for a moment… losing a sibling, a son, or a daughter.

Most of us cannot truly comprehend that level of pain. And I sincerely hope we never have to. But tragically, many families live with that reality every single day. When the unimaginable happens, you would want the very best care, compassion and support for your loved one — and for your family — wouldn’t you?

A very dear friend of mine, Mel, lost her brother Jason to an incredibly cruel disease — Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

DMD is a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. Jason became completely wheelchair dependent at just 16 years old. Over time, he lost the ability to use his upper body to perform everyday tasks that most of us never even think twice about. As DMD progresses, it attacks every muscle in the body — including the heart.

Tragically, Jason’s heart deteriorated far faster than anyone ever expected. Just hours after his family learned how severe his condition had become, Jason passed away from cardiac arrest on 23rd May 2023, aged just 21.

Twenty-one.

An age full of plans, dreams, laughter and life still waiting to be lived. Taken so cruelly and unfairly by this devastating disease.

Throughout Jason’s long and incredibly brave battle, he and his family were supported by Francis House Children’s Hospice, who stood beside them from the moment of diagnosis nearly 18 years earlier.

For almost two decades, Francis House provided Jason and his family with extraordinary care, understanding and desperately needed respite. As Jason’s condition progressed and the emotional and physical demands grew heavier, Francis House gave Mel’s parents something invaluable — time to simply be Mum and Dad, not just full-time carers fighting an impossible battle.

When Jason sadly passed, he was laid to rest at Francis House. Moments that his family feared would be unbearable were instead filled with peace, dignity and compassion. Care and kindness that Mel and her family will carry with them forever.

Even after Jason’s passing, Francis House continued to support Mel and her parents through specialist bereavement counselling, helping them navigate grief that no family should ever have to endure alone.

Francis House is quite simply a lifeline. They support more than 500 families across Greater Manchester, providing exceptional clinical care and emotional support to children and young adults living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Which brings me to my ask.

When I heard about the love, relief, strength and dignity that Francis House gave Jason and his family, I knew I had to help. So here I am, training for my third — and I promise, final — London Marathon.

I know times are difficult and that many people are facing financial pressures. But if you are able, I ask you to please just pause for a moment… imagine the unimaginable… and consider donating whatever you can.

Your support will help Francis House continue to provide the extraordinary care they gave Jason’s family to other families who are facing the toughest journey imaginable.

Every donation, no matter the size, genuinely makes a difference.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, for supporting if you are able, and perhaps most importantly — please hold your loved ones that little bit closer. Life is fragile. Time is precious. And none of us ever truly know what lies ahead.

Thank you.

Barney

If you would like to read more about the amazing work that Francis House do, please visit their website: https://www.francishouse.org.uk/who-we-are/about-us/

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