Dad prepares for London Marathon to thank charity for giving him a 'Home from Home'

A doting Dad is pounding the pavement in preparation for the Virgin Money London Marathon as he gets set to raise thousands of pounds for a charity that kept him by his son's bedside when he was seriously ill in hospital

Gregg Thompson, 35 from Essex, is taking on the 26.2 miles for The Sick Children's Trust after the charity supported him with free 'Home from Home' accommodation in 2010 when his one-year-old son was admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital after suffering from toxic shock syndrome.

George, now six-years-old, poured a hot cup of tea over himself when he was just a tot resulting in bad burns to his chest. After being treated at the family's local hospital, George was sent home. However a few days later his condition drastically deteriorated and George was rushed back to hospital where he crashed and needed resuscitating. The youngster's burns had become infected and he'd gone into toxic shock. Once stabilised, George was rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital, put on life-support and given specialist treatment to fight off the infection.

The Sick Children's Trust gave George's parents a room in its 'Home from Home' Rainbow House, located just a few minutes from George's bedside. Gregg, who ran the 2011 London Marathon raising over £6,000, wants to say thank you again for the charity's support. He says:

“Rainbow House looked after us. It meant that while George was so sick and fighting for his life, we could be by his side throughout it all. We were never more than 100 yards from his bedside and we could get much needed rest and meals during those anxious days, which helped us be there for him 100%.

“Since The Sick Children's Trust supported us, we have done our best to help them provide a vital service to other families. This wonderful organisation has ten 'Homes from Home' up and down the country, which are all equipped with a kitchen, living room and other utilities. It only costs £28 a night to sponsor a room, something priceless to those in need.

“In 2011, I ran the London Marathon and raised over £6,000 and am hoping to raise a similar amount this year. And to help reach my target, a week later I will be doing the South West Tough Mudder and following that the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 – so any support would be greatly appreciated!”

George, who has a twin brother Henry and little sister Rose, is now fully recovered and bubbling with energy – playing rugby, football and attending swimming lessons. Community Fundraiser, Diane Mcpherson–Emery says:

“We're so thrilled to have Gregg fundraise for us again - he's so dedicated in supporting the charity and it's people like Gregg that really help to make a significant difference to the work we do. We are so grateful that he's taking on all these challenges to raise over £2,000 for us. Good luck Gregg!”

It costs The Sick Children's Trust £28 per night to provide a family with a room in one of its ten 'Homes from Home' around the country. Alongside a private bedroom, the 'Homes from Home' include access to communal living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, playrooms and laundry facilities.

Gregg is one of 16 runners raising money for The Sick Children's Trust through the Virgin Money London Marathon, if you think you could support our runners by cheering them on, please contact Diane@sickchildrenstrust.org.

To read Gregg's full story and support his fundraising, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/Gregg-Thompson6