Marathon success for mum of brave toddler

Dedicated mum Rachael Smith has been celebrating after her latest fundraising bid in honour of her disabled son Isaac.

Rachael, of Loscoe, completed the gruelling 26-mile Edinburgh Marathon to raise both cash and awareness for Isaac’s trust Milestones and Wellchild.

The mum-of-three completed the run in just over six hours, and the current fundraising total stands at £1,500.

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Four-year-old Isaac was born with a severe form of cerebral palsy and parents Rachael and Andy, 41, want to raise funds to help with mobility as the brave toddler grows up.

As a result of his condition, Isaac also has learning difficulties, cerebral visual impairment – which has left him virtually blind, and is unable to eat or speak without support.

Isaac’s trust Milestones was set up to help fund equipment and services that he will need to aid his progression and sensory awareness.

The couple also wanted to give back to Wellchild – a national children’s charity helping to get seriously ill children out of hospital and cared for at home with their families wherever possible.

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Wellchild fund the Long Term Respiratory Team based at Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham, which has provided endless support for Isaac and his family.

Dad Andy said: “As a family we are so proud of Rachael for his achievement.

“We were all there at the finish line, myself, Isaac and our two daughters Connie and Violet, to see her finish.

“Rachael worked incredibly hard to raise cash for both the charities as she wanted to give back to the people that have helped and supported us, especially the team at the QMC, where Isaac spent much of his time last year.

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“They have provided an excellent care package for him, and helped support us in looking after him to the best of our ability. They continue to be an incredible source of support.”

Milestones has helped fund Isaac’s needs as a growing boy, and provide vital equipment that is not necessarily available on the NHS.

The family hope to be able to use some of the proceeds to create a sensory garden for Isaac’s development.

With Rachael as inspiration, Andy is now planning to run the Robin Hood Marathon in September.

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He added: “I do find the idea of it quite daunting, but Rachael has set a precedent now, if she can do it, then I better give it my best shot too.

“We have had so much support both locally and nationally, and it is important to us to help give back to those people and charities whilst also improving Isaac’s quality of life.”

To make a donation visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Littleman11.