This year I will be raising as much money as I can for an outstanding charity which supports children of all ages across the UK who have suffered a brain injury.

The Children's Trust is particularly close to my heart because of the life changing help they offered to a family friend of mine.

When Bella was 10 she was diagnosed with a brain tumour which was swiftly followed by two emergency surgeries within the same month.

A horrific turn of events for any family.

Bella was left unable to speak, walk and swallow which is something no child should ever have to experience.

A few months later having been discharged from hospital, The Children's Trust who have an outreach team based within St George's Hospital where Bella was being treated, met with Bella and her parents to offer a 10 week stay at their Tadworth rehabilitation centre.

Whilst here, Bella had daily physiotherapy, cognitive and speech therapy, which was all centred around fun and games, allowing Bella to feel like a normal child again.

By the end of Bella's stay she was able to walk and speak clearly again. Once she returned home, the charity continued their support by arranging physiotherapy at Bella's home, which proved priceless when Bella had to have another surgery 6 weeks after leaving. The physiotherapy she had 3 times a week ensured she would be able to walk again.

The Children's trust have remained a huge support all the way through Bella's teenage years, particularly when her tumour grew back in 2020 and she had to have more surgeries and chemotherapy for two years afterwards.

The unwavering support from this charity changed Bella's life and they like many charities, deserve our support because without generous donations their work wouldn't be possible.

So with that in mind, I will taking part in several half marathons, marathons and other physical activities which have been chosen by Bella so that I can raise money for such an important cause.

My first half is the Battersea half on the 11th of May, which just so happens to be Bella's 18th birthday!

Bella is genuinely a massive inspiration to me. She managed to complete her GCSE's and an A-level whilst being so poorly. She is at the forefront of my mind every time I run, and I would love nothing more than to reach my target for this truly deserving charity.

Any donation would be hugely appreciated!!!

Rach xxx