THE PARENTS of a popular Malvern boy who suffers from a life-threatening medical condition will pound the streets of Worcester this weekend to raise funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Katy and Martin Hollingworth will take part in the Worcester Half Marathon on Sunday in a bid to raise as much as they can for the charity, which they describe as ‘invaluable’ for the support and care they provide to their four-year-old son Charlie.
When he was born doctors diagnosed Charlie with a mitochondrial disease which means he can stop breathing at any moment.
Five years ago the couple lost their first son, Louis, to the same condition when he was just one-year-old.
Since then the family have been supported by Acorns for the Three Counties, based in Bath Road, Worcester and have become dedicated fundraisers.
Katy said: “Acorns has been an invaluable aspect of our lives since we lost Louis when he was just 15 months old,”
“Charlie has the same condition that Louis unfortunately had and receives lots of care from the fabulous people at Acorns.
“Charlie has been visiting Acorns since he was little, which gives Martin and I chance to recoup and spend quality time together. During his first stay we found it really difficult as it’s heart wrenching being away from him.
“Acorns have been fantastic. They reassured us and made us feel so at home when he first went. Now, Martin and I can celebrate our friends wedding and let our hair down with the knowledge that Charlie will not only be safe and happy, but he’ll be loved and cared for at Acorns.”
Last year Charlie completed his own fund-raising challenge when he walked 100m of the Acorns Triple Run which raised more than £2,000 and scooped a Midlands Children of Courage Award for his achievement.
“We were so proud of Charlie and so thankful to all the kind people who sponsored him,” Katy added.
“It inspired Martin and me to sign up to the Worcester Half Marathon. We’ve been training hard and are looking forward to taking part in this great event.”
In the last year Acorns has supported over 800 children and more than 1,030 families, including those who are bereaved across the Midlands and Three Counties.
The Worcester Half Marathon will start at Worcester Warriors’ Sixways Stadium at 9.30am.
To support Katy and Martin with their fund-raising bid visit www.justgiving.com/runningforlouisandcharlie.
