The Foundation was delighted to support Michelle, from Options Support, by matching her fantastic fundraising efforts for the Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Charity with a donation of £250.
Here, Michelle tells her story:
“In October 2018 I made the decision to try to accomplish the Couch to 5k. Being in my late 40’s, and never having ran before, this was quite a challenge – on my first time out (run 60 seconds, walk 90 seconds for a total of 20 minutes) I was exhausted before I’d got to the end and unable to finish!
The following two days I couldn’t move.
Encouraged by a friend who had completed the challenge I carried on, eventually running for 30 minutes, 3 times a week.
In January 2019 I was asked by a friend to join the Bristol 10k, which they were running in memory of their son Kane, and in aid of Harefield Hospital.
I began to train for the 10k and contacted The Caretech Foundation to ask about Match Funding.
Clair, the Foundation’s Grant officer, called me back and asked about the family and that I keep her updated with my progress. Clair contacted me a couple of times after our initial conversation and I was pleased to advise her the training and sponsorship money was raising every day.
In 2017, Kane, who was 17 at the time, was diagnosed with restricted cardiomyopathy and pulmonary hypertension.
Kane was referred to Harefield Hospital in London, where he stayed as an inpatient for several months before receiving a heart and lung transplant in January 2018. Kane made an outstanding recovery and was home within two and a half weeks. He then returned to work, college and spent most of his time socialising with his friends. Kane’s recovery was an inspiration to all, however a few months later he was advised that due to complications he would need to undergo another lung transplant. Sadly, he was taken ill in December 2018, which led to him losing his fight on the 6th of December 2018.
Kane’s family threw themselves into fundraising – it was Kane’s wish to support the hospital where he felt safe and cared for.
My training was by no means easy, and my running never looked pretty, but I stuck with it.
In all, 88 people ran in memory of Kane. Everyone walked or ran at their own pace – knowing we were doing so for such a brilliant cause.
My finish time was 1 hour, 6 minutes – which was faster than I was expecting.
Clair contacted me a couple of days after the race to see how things had gone and asked that I send her details of my individual sponsorship. The following day I heard that the Foundation had agreed to match the £270 I had raised with a match funding of £250.
This is going to help the hospital so much – and will be in memory of great person – with such a great family.
Donations continue to roll into Kane’s charity page, and the family continue to be the strongest people I know, with many more events planned.
Thanks to The CareTech Foundation for adding to this fantastic cause.”
You can support the whole team HERE.