29/02/2020
On 19th April 2020 I will be running the Brighton Marathon for a special little boy, and I'm looking for my kind friends to sponsor me!
Most of you will already know the story of little Benny Pitcher!
During a family holiday in early 2019, it was noticed that Benny (Julie and Kevin’s youngest child, now aged 6) wasn’t feeling well, so a trip to the local walk-in centre was in order. Following this visit, they were told to go to Kings Lynn Hospital for a scan on their way home. This scan revealed an issue, and before they knew it, they were off to Addenbrookes Hospital for a further scan. After the CT and MRI scans, Julie and Kevin were given the devastating news that Benny has DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine), in other words, cancer of the brain stem.
Since diagnosis Benny has had numerous visits to hospitals and gone through radiotherapy and steroid treatment….. He has been such a strong fighter through it all!
Results of more recent hospital tests have confirmed that Benny can no longer produce his own life saving steroids, so is now a lifelong steroid user 3 times a day. His body won’t be able to fight infection or stress, or a shock (i.e. virus, fall or accident). He will carry a blue steroid card and also an emergency injection. In order to reduce any risks, Benny will no longer be able to attend school.
On 19th April 2020, I have committed to running the Brighton Marathon, along with a group of 15 people, including Benny’s dad, Kevin.
In order to help raise my funds, I will be holding a charity Horse Race Night (Date and Venue TBC).
I use to run a bit runner back in the day, but my running shoes have not been seen since 2007, so I will be needing lots of support and encouragement!
If you would like to sponsor me for the Marathon, or would like to sponsor the Race Night, or any of the races on the night, donate a prize or even attend the event, then that would be fantastic, just let me know!
All of the runners will be running for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice (EACH). EACH have, and will continue to help the Pitchers through this difficult time.
Many thanks in advance.