Fintan, Ben, Charlie & Johns Half Marathon for The RMCH UK

Ronald McDonald Charity House

The four of us have decided to run the St. Albans Half Marathon on the 9th June 2024 to raise money for the The Ronald McDonald Charity Houses UK.

Our Fintan’s little girl was born on the 17th January 2024 with a rare condition diagnosed antenatally that meant she would require surgery after birth and an expected hospital stay of approx 6-8 weeks. Unfortunately there were no hospitals locally that could facilitate her needs, so during pregnancy they were referred to Kings College Hospital in London which is where Oakleigh was delivered and then taken straight into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Sadly, once she was born, it was determined that her condition had deteriorated quite dramatically, taking the estimated 6 week stay and 1 surgery to a much longer hospital admission and more extensive care for her.

The ‘Ronald McDonald Charity’ houses the families of sick children who are hospitalised further away from home, to keep families as much ‘together’ as possible. Fintan and his partner, Georgia, were lucky enough to be given a room here when Oakleigh was only a day old, the house being situated a few minutes walk from the hospital allows them to get there quickly, especially in times of emergencies.

It provides that real “home from home” feeling. Each family is given their own room with a private en-suite. It has a large communal kitchen and dining area to allow families to still catch up and eat dinner together, alongside the utility room where they provided washing machines pre-loaded and tumble dryers. A large garden and play area is out the back for the siblings/young family members to still feel some ‘normality’.

As it stands, they have now already been at the Ronald McDonald house for over 100 days and due to the intensity of little Oakleigh’s condition, she is unable to be transferred. Without this incredible charity, life would be beyond challenging for Fintan and Georgia. Living almost 2 hours away from her and travelling back and forth everyday, whilst Fintan is also juggling working full time, would feel impossible.

The charity really goes above and beyond to minimise the everyday stresses placed on parents/families by providing as much as they can, all they ask from families is a small £25 deposit which is optional to be left as a donation once discharged. They rely heavily on fundraising and sponsors to be able to help families all across the UK whose babies and children are fighting everyday and receiving the life-saving treatment they need.

This is the kind of charity that is taken for granted or not really acknowledged until, like ourselves, you experience the kindness firsthand. Any donation you can make is greatly appreciated.

F, B, C & Jx