I’m running a marathon.
In memory of Hannah Kate Lindfield.
I’m running the London Marathon 2016 in memory of my cousin Hannah. Hannah was a truly amazing person. Despite the numerous obstacles life put in her way, she achieved an incredible amount. She created beautiful art (some of which is featured in this post), she wrote poetry, she swam, sailed, skied, studied art at University, had a penchant for Pimms, did battle with her siblings like the best of us — and told a mean joke (when she could control her own giggles at said joke).
I have memories of Hannah leading a room full of people doing that dance to the Las Ketchup song one New Year (see left!). Toboganning down hills at Christmas. Dressed up as Indi-Hannah Jones (her hero) at a birthday party.
But these memories don’t tell Hannah’s full story. Hannah was born with Pfieffer Syndrome. Pfeiffer syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by the premature fusion of certain skull bones (craniosynostosis). This early fusion prevents the skull from growing normally and causes significant problems.
Pfieffer Syndrome had a profound affect on Hannah’s life. By the age of 5 she had 10+ major operations under general anaesthetic. She spent extensive time at the very brilliant Great Ormond St Hospital in London (who I’m rasing money for — more details below). She was registered blind, and the condition affected her hearing. There were periods where she needed a tracheotomy, and for much of her life she was in significant pain.
On November the 25th 2014 Hannah lost her battle with Pfieffer Syndrome. She was at home surrounded by friends and family.
She was 23.
Hold My Breath — by Hannah Lindfield
I hold my breath, when they say they can’t operate no more.
I hold my breath.
I should have no more sorrow, this is my chance to live.
I will breathe now knowing I will eventually take my last.“I’m ready”
Great Ormond Street Hospital
Great Ormond Street Childrens Hospital (GOSH) is without doubt one of Britain’s greatest institutions. It is the UK’s largest paediatric hopsital — caring for over 250,000 children. Every year.
The GOSH Charity raise £90 million annually to keep the hospital at the cutting edge of paediatric care. The money is incredibly well invested. It’s spent on incredible medical research, the best equipment, incredible patient care — and then of course the building needs maintaining.
The above is all incredibly important, but something that stands out for every parent who has had to spend time at GOSH, is the care provided to families. GOSH make sure that parents and family have accommodation onsite or nearby. They provide meals for breast feeding mothers and provide financial support for families who need it.
“There are few greater challenges for a parent than when their child is ill. Providing welfare and support for families and staff is so important as it allows everyone to concentrate on what matters most — caring for the patients.”
Alan Hodson — Special Trustees Chair, GOSH
The care that Hannah recieved at Great Ormond Street was always excellent — and I know her family feel the same of the care and support shown to them during the times they spent there. We’re lucky to have such an amazing facility in the UK and I’m honoured to have been chosen amongst their team of London Marathon 2016 runners.
I’m running in memory of the wonderful Hannah Kate Lindfield — and in support of an institution that gives children who find themselves in situations like Hannah’s a fighting chance.
I hope to do them both proud.
How can you help?
In short, donate. My JustGiving page is here.
That’s the obvious one. I’ll also be blogging about my efforts here on Medium — and via the publication I’ve setup here.
As a follow up, I’m writing a few thoughts on my relationship with running. As you’ll see — we’re not quite the best of friends. Anyway, I hope that my progress and updates might interest you — if they do, please share this blog and help me raise as much as possible for the incredible Great Ormond Street.
You can also see more of Hannah’s incredible artwork and read more of her poetry here.
Thank you — Ed Maughan.
