September 15, 2021 - 709 views
A brave mum is finally taking on the London Marathon next month for her daughter Poppy, and the hundreds of other children who receive care and support from Ty Gobaith in Conwy.
Vicki Evans will run the 26.2-mile race will be running for us along with six other runners from across Shropshire, North Wales, Cheshire and Powys, and a further 25 who will be taking part in the virtual race.
She was initially due to take on the challenge in 2020, but the pandemic caused the cancellation of the run.
“It’s been a long time coming, but I’m delighted that I will finally be able to take on the London Marathon in support of Ty Gobaith and Hope House children hospices,” says Vicki.
“Poppy is so full of joy and she has taught me so much because she takes life with two hands and she lives it. I know the marathon is going to be hard but when the going gets tough I will think of Poppy and all the other amazing children and that will spur me on to the finish.”
Poppy was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome just before her fifth birthday – a rare condition that causes life-threatening seizures. Thankfully, the doctor referred her family to Hope House.
Vicki had set herself the ambitious target of raising £26,200 from her marathon challenge - £1,000 for every mile, but she has since gone past that amount and is now looking to raise as much as possible.
“We’ve had eight years of great support from Hope House that has meant the world to our family and to Poppy,” adds Vicki.
“I’m not sure we would have managed in the same way without our Hope House family and this gives me the opportunity to give something back. The more money I can raise the more care can be given to even more seriously ill children.
“When I’m at the start line waiting to go, I’ll be thinking of all the children and how every penny people are so generously donating will be put to such fantastic use at Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith.”
To sponsor Vicki and find out more, please visit https://www.hopehouse.org.uk/appeal/poppys-story
