Team Jude’s 100 marathon challenge

Mel and Dale Simkiss are walking the most difficult of paths knowing that they may one day lose their child.

In June 2018, the Simkiss family received the devastating news that their precious little boy was unlikely to live past his childhood. Jude, the youngest of four children, was born with a rare genetic disorder affecting his brain called Mitochondrial disease. He is unable to move other than slight rocking and will never walk or talk.

This Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week, Jude’s father, Dale, along with six friends, are taking on a massive fundraising challenge to raise awareness and vital funds for the charities that offer his family vital support. Team Jude is currently undertaking 100 marathons in 100 days, which will culminate with Dale taking on the virtual London marathon on 4 October carrying a 16kg rucksack on his back, which is the equivalent weight of his son Jude.

Dale said:

“If you watch Coronation Street, you will be aware of the storyline of Oliver, his diagnosis of Mitchondrial disease and his parent’s anguish about turning his life support off.

 

My family live this reality, knowing that one day we may have to do the same.

 

My son Jude, who is nearly three, has Mitochondrial disease, a life-limiting and debilitating condition for which there is no cure or treatment. He is almost completely disabled and will never walk, talk, see or experience most of the things we all take for granted.”

Team Jude is raising money for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service which supports the Simkiss family, along with Lily Foundation and Genetics Disorders UK. To support Team Jude in their marathon challenge, please visit their fundraising page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TeamJude 

Need our help?

The word hospice should not seem scary and getting support from us doesn’t have to mean a child’s death is imminent. Helping to enrich the lives of the children and their families is at the heart of our service, our end of life and bereavement support is just a part of what we do.

Our children’s hospice service covers the whole of Berkshire and into surrounding counties. If you think your child may be eligible for our services, please do get in touch.

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One of the greatest and most precious gifts our charity receives is time 💙💛We are fortunate to have 155 amazing volunteers who collectively donate around 2,000 hours of their time each year. Without their vital support, we would not be there for children and families that need us. This #VolunteersWeek we will be celebrating what inspires our volunteers to make their unique contributions to our charity, whether at the hospice or out in the community. If our volunteers inspire you to gift your time, you can learn more about volunteering with our charity here: www.alexanderdevine.org/volunteer#InspiringVolunteers #localcharity ... See MoreSee Less
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It was lovely to welcome Jon Davey, Community Champion from Tesco in Dedworth Road Windsor, to our children’s hospice last week with a very generous donation of books for our next children’s book sale. We are so grateful for the ongoing support that Jon and his team give to Alexander Devine. Their kindness makes such a difference to our charity 💙💛Tesco #CommunityChampion ... See MoreSee Less
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With 3 weeks until #ChildrensHospiceWeek, will you help us #RockTheBlue?!🙋‍♀️ Sign up to receive your #RockTheBlue fundraising pack💡 Plan your blue themed activity or challenge💙 Raise money and make a difference to local children with life- limiting and life-threatening conditions 👉 Visit www.alexanderdevine.org/rocktheblue or email our friendly fundraising team for help with your BLUE-ming brilliant ideas: fundraising@alexanderdevine.org #fundraisingfun #localcharity #childrenshospiceservice ... See MoreSee Less
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Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service is the operating name of Alexander Devine Children’s Cancer Trust. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 5757493

Copyright © 2019 Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service. UK Registered Charity No. 1118947.