In October, I’ll be running the Dublin Marathon to raise vital funds for the Children’s Health Foundation, specifically for Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin. This hospital has been there for my cousin Carl and his wife Shaunna’s son, Jaxon. They have provided incredible care throughout his whole life, since he was only 24 hours and we want to give something back. Jaxon was born in 2015 with multiple medical issues. At just 24 hours old, he underwent his first surgery in Temple Street Hospital, where he had a colostomy bag fitted. Soon after, doctors discovered he had a single left kidney and a form of spina bifida known as a spinal cord lipoma. Carl and Shaunna spent three long weeks in St Michael’s D Ward. Jaxon was so tiny, born at just 6lb 7oz. In those early days he lost more weight and dropped to just over 5lb. Thanks to the kindness of other mothers who donated breast milk, alongside Shaunna’s own, he began to thrive. Over the past 10 years, Jaxon has undergone multiple surgeries and procedures due to ongoing bladder and kidney disease. Most recently, he had a bladder augmentation and a Mitrofanoff fitted to help drain his bladder, something he now does himself. His strength and independence are remarkable. He is truly a little superhero and will be running the last few km with me ☺️. Jaxon still has a long road ahead, with the ongoing goal of protecting his kidney and preventing it from progressing beyond Stage 3. Throughout everything, the team in Temple Street Hospital have been nothing short of extraordinary. The staff on the Spina Bifida and Renal wards, where Jaxon is so well known and loved, are some of the most selfless and caring people you’d ever meet. By running the Dublin Marathon, we hope to give something back to the hospital and teams who have supported Jaxon and so many children like him. Every donation helps fund lifesaving care and support for families who need it most. Thank you from all of our families ❤️