When Susie and Chris cross the finish line of the Great North Run this September, it will mark more than just the end of a 13.1-mile race - it will also be the first night they’ve ever spent apart from their eight-year-old son Will.

The couple are taking on this emotional milestone to raise money so more local children like Will can receive specialist care. 

“This will be the first night away we’ve had from Will since he was born, which will be quite emotional,” said Susie. “He will be staying at Hope House as we cross the finish line, which I’m sure is going to be quite a mix of emotions.”

Will's Story

Will enjoying a cuddle during an Animal Encounters visit at Hope House

Will has been supported by Hope House since birth, after scans revealed his brain hadn’t developed properly. He lives with Infantile Spasms and requires round-the-clock specialist care. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting Will and his family through respite stays and ongoing care.

Read Will's Story

“We have been with Hope House for such a long time and there really is just nothing like it,” said Susie, 41, who works as a specialist nurse in an adult hospice. “The nursing and care we have had there has been absolutely incredible and we have been doing what we can to raise money and give something back to the charity that has helped us so much.”

Susie and Chris, are currently training for the run on September 7th - which also falls on their wedding anniversary weekend.

“I have joined Bridgnorth Running Club and am up to being able to do 10K – so we’re getting there,” said Susie.

A Place To Enjoy Being A Mum

As a family, they say Hope House is a place where they can truly relax and enjoy time together.

“Respite stays with Will are my opportunity to enjoy him without being his carer,” Susie said. “I love looking after him but when we are at Hope House I can just immerse myself in enjoying being his mum and not thinking when his next meds are due. We really are treated like kings and queens.

“Part of Will’s condition is that he is very, very visually impaired. At Hope House the play specialists and facilities give him wonderful experiences.

“They have the skills to do that and the confidence and competence to do it alongside knowing that he is likely to have a seizure and he might need some help clearing his chest.”

“Will absolutely adores the pool at Hope House. He gets a lot of dystonia (muscle spasms) so that is incredible for him and he also loves as many baths as possible. He loves being outdoors in the gardens and adores all the attention that he gets. Watching him interact with the other children is also special because it doesn’t happen at home.

“It’s such a special place to us, so if you can sponsor us and help give as much back as we can that would be so appreciated.”

Sponsor Susie and Chris for their Great North Run journey and help ensure more children like Will can continue to receive specialist care at Hope House.

Sponsor Susie and Chris

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