Imagine hearing the worst possible news as a parent - that your child is seriously ill and not expected to live to be an adult.

When life couldn't get any tougher Claire House is there to provide specialist nursing care and emotional support. They help parents create wonderful experiences for their children and bring back a sense of normality to family life.

As many of you know I have been exceedingly privileged to have been able to take early retirement last September from my career in education as School Sendco. (Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator). Whilst of course, I am enjoying a much slower pace of life, I wanted desperately to give something back. Having contacted Claire House Children's Hospice to see if there was any way I could support their wonderful charity, I am delighted to be able to say that I am now working with them as their SEND Community Support Volunteer, using my years of SEND knowledge and expertise to support Claire House Families with any level of SEND related concerns they may be facing.

As you many also know, for many years now, I have slowly jogged the streets of Waverton and Conwy where we have our caravan at Pendyffryn Hall, with the simple aim to keep myself fit, body and mind. As my dad used to tell me, I am no race horse for sure, rather a cart horse! However, I decided that, given I have more time now and no excuse, that alongside my volunteer role that I would enter the Chester Half Marathon to raise funds for this wonderful cause.

Tomorrow is finally here folks. 8 week training plan followed to the letter, so fingers crossed I can make it round. I am feeling nervous for sure.

If you are or can be around in Chester tomorrow morning (18th May) I would be so delighted to hear you cheer me on - those words of encouragement will keep my going for sure. The finish line is at the town hall . Start time is 9am and all being well I should make it round in between 2 hours 20 and 2 hours 30 minutes so maybe 11.20 to 11.30 ish. However, this of course remains to be seen.

Claire House cares for children and their families from Merseyside , Wirral , Cheshire and North Wales.

Please do support me by sponsoring me for my half marathon, to raise money for the families who urgently need the support from Claire House Children's Hospice.

If as a human you have ever needed the medical intervention, care and support for your family or friends you will know only too much how critical they are to us.

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