Welcome to ‘Laura went crazy and entered the London Marathon’s’ Just giving page! Please don’t go anywhere without reading below.
I never thought I would be setting up a page to raise money for running the London Marathon. After attending last year’s marathon to cheer on a friend, I was so inspired by the atmosphere I decided to apply for a ballot place. To my absolute horror, I got in!
I am determined to work as hard as time allows me. I have never run past 5k so this will be a huge achievement for me. One thing I know and feel strongly about are the reasons behind why I chose the two charities I am running for; and I am sure the money raised will help me get round!
1st Charity - The Brompton Fountain Charity:
Three years ago the Royal Brompton Hospital saved a friend's babies life. Jacob was born with Transposition of the Great Arteries and needed a life-saving operation to survive. I will never forget going to see Jacob in the hospital just a few days old and seeing his little body attached to all these wires, his heart exposed after his surgery and praying he would pull through. He had an extremely rocky recovery but due to the exceptional care from the team at the Royal Brompton Jacob survived and is now a happy, lively and very funny little boy! There is no doubt without this amazing team and hospital it would have been a different story. I know how much the practical and emotional support given to Jacob's parents by staff will stay with them forever.
The Brompton Fountain is a charity that provides vital support and resources to families with life threatening heart and lung conditions. They work very closely with the hospital teams within the pediatric intensive care unit, children's wards and outpatient clinics. They fund improvements to hospital facilities and parent accommodation as well as purchase specialist equipment and provide respite services. On top of all this, they also supply entertainment and sensory toys for the hospital playrooms.
2nd Charity - The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP)
An international Christian voluntary organisation dedicated to tackling poverty and disadvantage by providing practical assistance to those in need.
We try to help and assist any person in need, we can provide transport, food and furniture as well as supporting people in debt and those that are homeless.
I have been a member of the SVP for a few years now and attend regular meetings with other members in the area to talk about how we have assisted individuals or families in need. My personal work is to visit a residential elderly care home each week; some residents are lonely and really look forward to the visit. I have made a special friend here over the years and feel particularly lucky to spend time with some interesting characters. Every year we are able to provide a Christmas lunch for the elderly in the area and a summer tea - something that is very popular. All of these events would not be able to happen without volunteers and funds raised.
I have also worked with families that have been referred through Children's Services and along with other volunteers am able to offer practical and financial support through the SVP. We have also provided respite care within the home to parents suffering mental health issues as well as support for those within their families. This fantastic charity offering support within the community would not be possible without donations and volunteers. As a volunteer it would mean an awful lot to me if we could ensure the work the SVP does continues.
I know myself and how stubborn I am, with your donations I will get round the 26.1 miles but I definitely need your help and encouragement. Every little counts.
