SUPPORTERS of a wish-granting charity hope to raise smiles as well as funds after running the London Marathon.
Claire Hammond from Warwick and Neville Gliddon from Wiltshire trained for months to make sure they were ready to complete the 26 mile circuit earlier this month.
They both chose to raise money for Molly Olly’s Wishes for different reasons.
Neville’s son received a wish from the charity when George – who is now five-years old – was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in March 2020. Molly Olly’s arranged for George to receive a full-sized drum kit which he makes good use of.
For Claire, the charity is close to her heart since both her children went to the same primary school as Molly Ollerenshaw – who the charity is named for.
Molly Olly’s Wishes was established in 2011 following Molly’s death from a rare kidney cancer.
The Warwick-based charity supports children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families.
It grants wishes, helps with emotional support and it donates therapeutic toys and books to children and hospitals across the UK.
Neville ran the marathon in four and a half hours. He said: “I have run several marathons over the years for charity. Molly Olly’s is special to us because the team there granted a lovely wish for George which made him happy when everything was so terrifying for us.
“The charity is so important for children who are facing frightening times.”
Claire trained for five months and, despite aching now, she loved every moment: “Molly Olly’s brings light to people’s lives when everything seems dark and scary. I have been a supporter of the charity for a long time and I know the average wish costs about £500 so knowing I have helped to pay for at least two wishes, makes me very happy.”
Visit www.mollyolly.co.uk/learn-about-donating to donate to the charity.
