Difficult roads, lead to beautiful destinations.

So as many of you may know I am training from the Shrewsbury half marathon this October. And those of you that know me well, know that I am not a natural runner. Yes it’s only 13 miles but Being completely honest I am really struggling. I need a push. (Literally!)

I am so grateful to friends and customers who spot me out running / struggling, and give me a toot and a wave. This helps me immensely. 

I have lost my partner in crime (Mike, my husband) to injury, so I am going it alone .

This 13 mile run is massive for me! 

However, I am not just running, I am trying to raise money to help a very special little boy who you will have probably heard me talk about. He is an inspiration to us all. 

Parker Brownfield is 3. He suffered severe brain damage following a meningitis infection 2 and a half years ago. 

The doctors didn’t think he would survive. He has now learnt to walk unaided with special splints. He undergoes intensive physiotherapy twice a week and He is currently undergoing intense speech and language therapy so he can talk before school next year. 

Along with his parents, friends, family, our Decostitch customers and you lovely lot we have managed to raise enough money to enable these private elements of rehab which the nhs just cannot offer. Due to covid, everything had been cut short and the waiting lists are huge. So you have all enabled this to happen and we are so bloody grateful!! 

If all of the above wasn’t enough, Parker’s brain damage also meant that he has lost the use of his left arm and hand. He has learnt to cope one handed. However, before he gets too old, there is a chance he can regain the use in these precious limbs.

This December Parker has been offered the chance to undergo intensive therapy to enable the stimulation and rehabilitation in his arm and hand, to ensure he has the best possible chance of regaining its use.

This comes at a massive cost.

One that his parents, Becky and Ryan, alone just cannot afford. However, Parker is part of our wider family and I just know you will all want to help. 

I know that times are tough, but small change, all added together, really can make a difference. I want to take the pressure off Becky and Ryan and allow their little man the best chance he has. 

It’s going to cost £4.5K. It’s a 3 week intensive course in Manchester. My aim is to raise enough money that not only do they have enough for the treatment but also so that instead of Becky and Ryan having to travel to and from Manchester everyday, that they can stay over some of the week and get some much needed respite too. 

Anyone that has or knows of a child with special needs, knows it’s tough. The parents have no choice but to stay strong for Their child and with no break from the frustrations and tears of helplessness. Constantly wishing that they could do more and their head ache would just vanish. The tiredness and frustration that comes with the constant barrage of strangers in your home, hospital and clinic visits, twice, sometimes three times a week. Filling in forms and emails to ensure Parker has the best possible care he deserves. Replying to reports on his progress and updating / chasing appointments. Holding down a full time job, and managing to stay strong. I honestly don’t know how Becky does it!! Exhausted, but she does it with a smile on her face!! I want to help alleviate that pressure. 

I am taking on this challenge to help Parker and his family. And I will do it, no matter what! I am determined. And I know you will help me do it! This will help me to push towards that finish line and give Parker a chance before it might be too late. 

Yes I’m running my own marathon but this is nothing compared to what Parker faces and his Parents on a daily basis. They have challenges that we can only begin to understand. 

Thank you for reading. And thank you for donating whatever you can. Together, we can smash this!!

Leanne x