This year, I’m running the Manchester marathon with my mum to raise money for a cause incredibly close to my heart: The Birches Children’s Hospice in Coventry.

I am doing this for someone who I love dearly and over the years, I’ve watched her face the unimaginable challenges of CLN2 Batten Disease; a rare, lifelimiting condition that takes away abilities most of us take for granted, and has a life expectancy of just 6-12 years old. At 7 years old, Flory and her family now utilise The Birches Children’s Hospice for essential respite care.

Why This Matters -

The Birches is an NHSfunded hospice that provides warmth, dignity, and specialist care for children with complex medical needs. The hospice allows essential breaks for Flory’s family who care for her around the clock, and enables 1:1 time with her younger brother little Arnie, away from the medical complexities of their every day life. Their team is incredible, but like so many NHS services, their resources are limited.

funds will help the hospice access:

• Specialist accessible equipment

• Sensory and therapeutic tools

• Comfort aids

• Items that make respite truly restful for children like Flory and their families

Why I’m Running – My Personal Journey

At the beginning of 2025, I made a huge change in my life: I gave up alcohol.

It was the first step in a much bigger health journey, one that has taught me discipline, resilience, and selfbelief. Within this journey I have lost 7 stone and counting.

More recently, I started running to push myself further. I’ll be honest: running does not come naturally to me. I struggle with motivation, with belief in my own ability, and with the idea that I could ever be “a runner”.

But running for Flory Bear changes everything.

When the miles get tough, when I doubt myself, when my legs and lungs want to give up, I know she will get me across that finish line. As she does not quit

This marathon is something I never imagined I could do but doing it in honour of Flory gives every step a purpose far bigger than me. I am running this with my mum who has put up with every moan, every bump and guided me every step of the way, we are doing Manchester as it is the place I was born and my mum’s family home.

How You Can Help

Every single donation, big or small, will directly support:

✨ The Birches Children’s Hospice

✨ Families navigating the hardest journeys imaginable

Your generosity will help create a safer, calmer, more accessible environment for children with complex medical needs. You’ll be helping to give comfort, dignity, and support where it’s needed most.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for reading, supporting, sharing, and cheering me on.

Together, we can make life brighter for Flory and so many other children who depend on The Birches Hospice.