A Suffolk 19-year-old is giving back to the Make-a-Wish Foundation that helped her severely disabled cousin by running the London Marathon this weekend to raise £2000 for the charity.
Cameron Partridge’s 10-year-old cousin Charlie Middleton has cerebral palsy and severe epilepsy requiring around-the-clock care, but the charity, which arranges experiences for children with life-threatening medical conditions, organised tickets for the youngster to see the Lion King musical in London.
Cameron is running the marathon on Sunday to give back to the foundation that gave her cousin that special day with her mother Paula, 45, who is raising for The Salvation Army with the aim of raising £2000.
She has already raised more than £1,300 towards her total with the hope that her amount will be boosted following the 26 mile run through the centre of London.
Cameron, who is a call handler for the East of England Ambulance Service from Henley, said: “I have done charity work before this and I was watching the London Marathon last year and I thought it would be a good way to give back to the charity that helped my cousin.”
“When he went to the Lion King, they made sure he was comfortable and I think that needed to be recognised.”
Cameron and her mother have held a number of events including a quiz night, a silent auction and a karting grand prix to help raise the funds towards their chosen charities.
Charlie’s mother, Cameron’s aunt, from Laswshall, have also helped with the fundraising efforts so that Cameron can reach her target.
Cameron said: “My auntie has helped a lot with the fundraising and they have both been really supportive.”
The marathon distance will be a new challenge for Cameron and her mother, who have run 10km distances in preparation for Sunday.
Cameron said:”The furthest the two of us had run was three miles before this - so the training has been really hard.”
Paula said: “It’s something I have thought about for a long time but I’m not a runner - I can’t stress that enough - but this is something I have thought about for a long time and wanted to do.”
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