Father Runs Half Marathon To Say Thank You To The Sick Children’s Trust

A local dad has raised over £300 for The Sick Children’s Trust as thanks for supporting his family when their baby was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck.

Dean Searle, 39 from Felixstowe, raised £322 by taking part in the Bungay half marathon earlier this year to thank The Sick Children’s Trust for giving him and wife Karen free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation at Chestnut House when his son, Kian, was rushed to The Rosie Hospital in Cambridge for lifesaving treatment.

Kian, now a healthy 14 month old, was born in Ipswich Hospital with the umbilical cord wrapped twice around his neck. At just a few hours old, Kian was rushed 50 miles away from home for lifesaving treatment at a specialist hospital in Cambridge. Kian spent a week in The Rosie Hospital fighting for his life, and during this time his parents were supported at Chestnut House, just a floor below the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Dad Dean says:

“I wanted to raise money and awareness for The Sick Children’s Trust, as the charity helped us at the worst time of our lives. When we thought we were going to lose Kian they were there for me and my wife and we cannot thank them enough. We could see our son 24 hours a day and be by his side whenever we wanted. In addition, the team at Chestnut House really looked after Karen and helped her to be strong for our boy after enduring a difficult birth.

“The House Manager Abi and her team were fantastic. I don’t know how we could’ve managed without them. Everyone was so kind to us, and it was so reassuring to talk to other parents who were also staying at Chestnut House. We will be forever grateful.”

Chestnut House opened in 2012 and has eight en-suite bedrooms, and gives families access to a shared kitchen, living area and laundry facilities. The charity runs ten ‘Homes from Home’ across the country, giving families with seriously ill children free accommodation just a few minutes’ walk from their child. Chestnut House Manager Abigail Abdel-aal says:

“Dean’s support means so much to us. We’re thrilled that Kian made a full recovery and is a happy healthy little boy – we can’t wait to see him again!

“We’re always so thankful when families that we’ve supported tell us that they’re fundraising. As although the accommodation is provided free of charge, it costs the charity £30 to provide emotional and practical support a family for one night. So this money will make a significant different in supporting families with seriously ill children in hospital.”

To read more about Dean’s story and fundraising, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Dean-Searle