Spreading a smile to children who need it most is one of the goals at the heart of James and Tom Bancroft’s mission to complete the Isle of Wight Challenge.
In 2015, Vicky, whose family is from Croxley, and her husband James had a son, Henry, who was born with a rare genetic disorder.
Over the last 10 years, Henry has undergone multiple treatments at Great Ormond Street Hospital, where his parents were introduced to the charity Spread a Smile.
The organisation brings “smiles and laughter to seriously ill and hospitalised children and their families” during long hospital stays.
The charity organised for Henry, who is an avid lover of Lego, to go to the company’s headquarters.
Speaking to CROXLEYnews, Vicky said: “We’ve had some really dark moments, but they [Spread a Smile] have given us some brighter ones.
“It is really nice to be in a place where everyone is in a similar situation, but in these moments, it’s not about the illness; these moments are care-free.”
Now, James and Tom are hoping to help more families like them.
Vicky said: “We want to do something to help raise awareness and funds and to help get the name of the charity out there.”
No easy feat, the Isle of Wight Challenge takes place on May 3 and 4 and features a 106km walk, jog or run around the island.
While it may be a gruelling training process, 14 family members are going along to show their support for the duo.
Vicky said: “Henry is really proud of them. Spread a Smile is a charity that isn’t necessarily known so we are trying to get the word out there.
“We feel grateful and know first-hand that having a charity you can fall back on as a family can make you feel special.”
Donate at https://www.justgiving.com/page/bancroft?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=LFCFRDOUK_Day1_Return_VC_Guest&mi_u=20688985&mi_ecmp=LFCFRDOUK_Day1_Return_VC_Guest
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