Facing a rare disease takes a lot of perseverance, but an eight-year-old footballer from Bushey is proving nothing can hold him back as he aims to run the length of a marathon in one month.
In October last year, Stanley became very unwell and was diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a rare inflammatory condition that affects the brain and spinal cord.
After receiving medical care from a local hospital, he was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in Central London as he required more specialised care.
Though he is still recovering, Stanley wants to “help make a difference to other children who are unwell”.
Stanley wants to run a marathon in a month to raise money for GOSH to help other children in their care like him.
On Tuesday, April 1, the fundraising page shared that Stanley had completed his first run of 1.27 miles in just over 14 minutes.
By the first week of April, he had managed to run a staggering eight miles.
He has already smashed his £1,000 target and raised more than £1,200 at the time of writing.
The fundraiser shared: “Every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us.
“This extraordinary hospital has always depended on charitable support to give seriously ill children the best chance to fulfil their potential.”
On Facebook, residents have pledged their support for Stanley, with Bushey Rangers sharing: “Please support our U8 Stanley if you can.”
To donate, visit www.shorturl.at/qJlcN
Photo: William Barton, Shutterstock
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