Couple's running recognition of Leeds Children's Hospital's life-saving support

Sara Sills, 42, will run the Leeds 10K on July 9 next year, and husband Chris, 40, will be taking on the challenge of running 100 miles in 24 hours with friend Andy Sherif, 35, three weeks later on July 29.

Mabel has had 17 operations to date; her kidneys have been packed with stones, and she has a tube going into her stomach giving her all her medication and feed that runs through a pump during the day and night.

Mabel’s condition has not only affected her kidneys, she has also had to have bowel surgery

Sara said: “The support from Leeds Children’s Hospital has been massive, from being pregnant to when Mabel was born, and throughout her life. Mabel is not just a patient or a number there, she is a person. It is often the little things Mabel’s care team does that makes all the difference to her.

“Without their support and care, I know that Mabel wouldn’t be here today. We just want the wonderful team there to get the recognition they deserve. We always feel like we can pick up the phone and speak to Mabel’s care team any time.

“I haven’t done a run for 20 years. Mabel always seems to bounce back from everything that life throws at her, and she still smiles even when she’s in hospital.

“So the fact that she always just gets on with things, it pushes you on. If Mabel can still smile despite everything, I can do this run.”

Chris and Andy will be raising money for Leeds Children’s Hospital as well as Team Endeavour, a charity that raises money and awareness for children and families of the Armed Forces. The charity helped to secure a hospital bed for Mabel at home.

Chris said: “Mabel is such a strong, positive little thing that has had so many challenges to overcome. 100 miles to run is nothing compared to what she’s been through.

“We can’t thank the hospital enough for everything they have done for us, the care they provide feels like it’s all one on one, it’s very personal. We are supporting Team Endeavour as well because they do amazing work.”

Chris and Andy will run from Boroughbridge to Lower Dunsforth and back multiple times for their challenge.

Louise Micklethwaite, who recently launched project ‘You’re a Star’, has pledged her support for Chris and Sara’s fundraising challenges and Leeds Children’s Hospital.

‘You’re a Star’ invites people to donate prom dresses, and teenagers can then borrow them in return for a donation to the hospital.

Sara has set up a fundraising page at justgiving.com/fundraising/sara-sills

You can sponsor Chris and Andy’s 100 mile challenge, by texting Team07 and the amount you would like to pledge to 70070.

Do you have a story to share?

Email: [email protected] or find us at www.facebook.com/ripongazette