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Hi everyone,
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.
On 7th September, I’ll be lacing up my trainers and running a half marathon. This isn't just about the 13.1 miles; it's for a cause that is incredibly close to my heart. I am running to honour my little sister, Teigan, and to raise money for the charity founded in her name: Teigan's Smile.
This charity was born from a family's heartbreaking experience. At just two weeks old, Teigan contracted the herpes virus (cold sore virus) from a simple, affectionate kiss. This single moment had devastating, life-altering consequences. Her parents, determined to prevent other families from enduring the same pain, founded Teigan's Smile to raise awareness about this preventable danger.
A Mission to Educate and Support
Teigan's Smile has a dual mission that I am so proud to support:
- To Educate: They work tirelessly to inform parents, caregivers, and the public that a seemingly innocent kiss on a baby's lips, hands, or feet can transmit the herpes virus, with potentially tragic results.
- To Support: The charity also provides vital grants to families with children facing severe medical conditions. These grants help cover medical bills, pay for specialised equipment, and fund home adaptations, offering a lifeline to those in unimaginably difficult situations.
Every step of my training and every mile on race day will be fuelled by the thought of my sister, the families Teigan's Smile supports, and what it works to raise awareness of.
Granting Hope and Changing Lives
Over the past year, Teigan's Smile has made significant strides in achieving its mission. Through passionate fundraising efforts and valuable partnerships with other organisations, the charity has been able to provide grants to numerous deserving families. These grants have enabled families to cover medical expenses, adapt their homes to their children's needs, and acquire specialised equipment. With every grant awarded, Teigan's Smile brings hope and relief to families facing challenging circumstances.
The Power of Awareness
Raising awareness remains a crucial aspect of Teigan's Smile's work. The organisation actively participates in events, and conferences, and engages with parents and healthcare professionals to emphasise the importance of avoiding lip, hand, and foot kisses for babies. Social media serves as a powerful tool to amplify their message, reaching a wide audience and fostering discussions on this vital issue. Although the battle is far from won, Teigan's Smile is proud of the progress made thus far and remains determined to reduce the number of babies affected by herpes infections.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this story and for helping me honour my sister by supporting this incredible cause.
With love and gratitude,
Toby
Organizer
Toby Boston
Organizer
T
TEIGANSMILE
Beneficiary