Marathon Day tomorrow - Good luck to The Children's Trust Runners

Here are just a few of the stories of our fantastic 2009 runners

Jade
Jade ran the marathon with her fiance Riley Brede. Jade sustained an acquired brain injury as a result of a road traffic accident on the way to her 15th birthday celebration in August 2001. She was not expected to live but has made a full recovery. Jade has taken on a number of challenges since she left the Children's Trust. Jade has graduated from university and is planning to fulfil her dreams of becoming a teacher.

Gretchen and Frank
Gretchen and her husband Frank both ran the London Marathon for the Trust. Their son's Chas sustained an acquired brain injury as a result of a skiing accident on a family holiday. Chas received rehabilitation at the Trust but has now returned home and to his previous school and continues to do well.(Chas on the left - after leaving the Trust)

Keith
Keith's daughter Roxy has received respite care (short breaks) at the Trust for the last 12 years. She has a condition which means she has a very stiff almost immobile joints and weak muscles. The complexity of Roxy's condition means that she has additional problems - she can't speak, walk and has problems eating but she has developed her own way of communicating. Keith had run three marathons previously and has decided 2009 will be his last.

Mark
Mark's step-son Alby is currently receiving rehabilitation at the Trust following a road traffic accident. Alby is starting to learn to walk and talk again and he will be returning to mainstream school on April 2009 thanks to the work of the Trust and his sheer determination. Mark aged 46 is keen to help support and raise the awareness of the Trust.

Tom
Thomas' son, Tommy received rehabilitation at the Trust in 2008 following a tragic accident during the family's holiday. Tommy fell from a balcony and sustained an acquired brain injury. The family now live in America but came back especially for the marathon. 3 of Tommy's former therapists also ran with Tom.

Christa and Tim
Christa and Tim' son Justin received care at the Trust until he tragically died last year at the age of five. In his memory Christa and Tim's team, comprised of 19 friends, family and staff from the Trust, ran in the Marathon for Justin.

Angie
Angie 40, has worked for the Trust for 10 years in the fundraising department. She was inspired to run in the 2009 event following Alfie Russell's brave participation in the marathon in 2008. He received care at the Trust 10 years ago following a life threatening road accident, which left him with an acquired brain injury.