Virtual Assistant Michelle Dowsett from West Malling will be running the London marathon to raise funds to support Finley.
On 3 October Michelle Dowsett 40, will be running her first ever marathon to raise funds to support seven-year-old Finley from Snodland. Michelle will be one of the 50,000 runners competing virtually as a further 50,000 run 26.2 miles through the streets of London.
At just two days old Finley developed meningitis and the uncontrollable seizures he suffered caused long term brain damage resulting in quadriplegic cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and many other health conditions. His parents Sarah and Mike were told the devastating news that he may only live a few weeks and so they took him home to make lasting memories with their family. As the weeks passed Finley defied all the odds and started to show improvements in his sight and understanding.
Michelle Dowsett, said, “Now seven, Finley continues to be a little fighter. His journey is not only heart-breaking but incredibly inspirational. I originally set myself a fundraising target of £1,000 (which I subsequently increased to £2,000) towards physiotherapy and much-needed walking, and support equipment, as well as towards enjoying new experiences with his family. Having received incredible support, I have now increased my target to £5,000, as every penny I can raise for the family will make a huge difference. With the pandemic affecting many charities’ resources Finley has lost a lot of the vital support that he needs including hydrotherapy and palliative care. As he continues to grow, so do the costs of new equipment and private therapy and I want to do all I can to help this very courageous little boy.”
Finley’s Mum, Sarah, said, “I cannot thank Michelle enough for everything she is doing to support Finley and our family, and I know we will all be in tears when she crosses the marathon finish line, holding hands with our special little boy Finley.”
If you would like to donate to help Michelle reach her fundraising target, visit –https://uk.gofundme.com/f/michelles-first-marathon-to-support-finley
About Finley
Finley’s journey so far is not only heart-breaking but incredibly inspirational. This last year has been especially difficult with several trips to the hospital where he almost did not make it. Despite his health conditions, Finley continues to light up the world with his smile.
His amazing family work relentlessly to help him enjoy as normal a life as possible but it is not easy, and funding is very difficult to get. Weekly physiotherapy is helping him to improve his balance and strength in the hope that one day he will be able to take his first independent steps.
As he continues to grow, so do the costs of new equipment and private therapy and the funds raised will help towards physiotherapy, much-needed walking/support equipment and enjoying new experiences.
About the London Marathon
The 2021 race is set to be the biggest marathon ever with 100,000 runners taking part on Sunday 3 October. There are 50,000 virtual places for runners to take on the world’s greatest marathon anywhere in the world – plus 50,000 participants taking to the streets of London, running from Blackheath to The Mall.
www.virgin.com/about-virgin/latest/the-biggest-marathon-in-the-world
