UPDATE - 5th June: Thank you for all the support throughout these past months. We are proud to have supported Oxford Children's Hospital and the amazing work they continue to do. Last Sunday, 31st May, I ended up covering 55km in total, arriving into the hospital at 4.30pm. A big shout out to my support team on the day, who helped power me along the route!

In April 2025, our two-year-old daughter, Thea, became seriously unwell.

What began as what seemed like a routine cough and cold was initially managed with the usual advice: rest at home and a course of antibiotics. After seven days with no improvement, we were advised to take Thea to our local hospital for further checks. One day in hospital quickly became two, then four, and despite extensive tests, scans and treatments, her condition continued to worsen with no clear diagnosis.

On the seventh day, Thea suffered a cytokine storm, a severe and overwhelming immune response. Her blood results deteriorated rapidly, and she needed to be transferred to Oxford Children’s Hospital for specialist care to identify and treat the underlying cause of her illness as quickly as possible.

Thea spent the following two weeks on the Bellhouse Drayson Ward, where she received exceptional care from an extraordinary team. From the doctors and nurses to the play specialists and catering staff, every single person played a part in helping us through an incredibly difficult time.

Following further investigation, Thea was diagnosed with a severe inflammatory condition, and treatment was finally able to begin. Thankfully, it proved effective. Although Thea required ongoing treatment after being discharged, we remain deeply grateful for the expertise, compassion and support we have received throughout this journey.

Thea now has an updated diagnosis of sJIA (Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis), also known as Still's Disease. This diagnosis is similar to her original diagnosis of HLH but presents slightly different challenges moving forwards.

She continues to be closely monitored, with monthly follow-up appointments with a consultant from the Oxford Hospitals Trust, to ensure she remains on a positive path.

While we know how fortunate we are, we also know that not every family we met on the ward will have the same outcome. During our stay, we encountered many families facing their own battles, all united by one thing: their reliance on the outstanding care provided by Oxford Children’s Hospital.

To help raise awareness and funds for the incredible work carried out there, Simon will be running & walking from Chesham to Oxford Children’s Hospital, a distance of approximately 55km, in a single day. This challenge will take place on Sunday 31st May, 2026, marking one year since Thea was first admitted to hospital.

We would be truly grateful for any support you are able to give in helping us raise both awareness and funds for this vital cause.

Caroline, Simon, Emilie and, most importantly, Thea 💛