In classic me last minute fashion, in 4 weeks (10th May) I will be participating in the Bristol Half Marathon. I will be running in memory of my sister Ashleigh, to raise money for the incredible charity that supported our family through her short but meaningful life.

Ashleigh was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, a rare chromosomal disorder. Due to her condition, Ashleigh was deaf, blind and mute, she wasn't able to feed or swallow independently and suffered from regular seizures. The Very Special Kids organisation was able to provide free support to each member of my family during Ashleigh's short and special life, and for many years long after.

Very Special Kids (VSK) is an Australian charity that provides free of charge holistic palliative care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, as well as tailored support for their families throughout life and bereavement. Last year, VSK marked its 40th year of operation and celebrated supporting over 15,000 children and their families.

A donation would go towards funding their paediatric palliative care services; including counselling, sibling and bereavement support and networking activities; as well as their respite and end-of-life care services as the only children's hospice in Victoria.

The support they gave us is something I was too young to fully appreciate at the time — but I now see the profound positive impact they had in helping me process and make sense of that time of my life. For that reason, I want to use this opportunity to give back and expand the difference they make in so many lives.

This year, Ashleigh would have been 30. To honour her, and to say thank you to this incredible charity, please give what you are able.

My goal is to raise $500. Whether you can give $1 or $50, every little bit can make a real difference.

If you can't donate at this time that's okay, even sharing this page would be amazing as it could help find someone who can!

Thank you for for any help you can give <3