Georgia Gets Ready To Raise Thousands In Memory Of Sister Sydnee

The sister of a Gorleston teenager who lost her life-long battle with a rare metabolic disorder will be running the Virgin Money London Marathon in her memory to thank The Sick Children’s Trust for its support.

Primary School Teacher Georgia Donaldson, 26, is determined to complete the iconic 26.2 mile race in memory of her beloved sister who tragically passed away last September. 15 year old Sydnee Donaldson had been fighting methylmalonic acidemia – a condition believed to occur in one in 100,000 – along with other complications which resulted in numerous lengthy stays in her local hospital, James Paget University Hospital, and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London, miles away from home. And although Sydnee fought incredibly hard all her life and never let her condition get her down, sadly the teen passed away in September at GOSH, surrounded by her family.

Georgia, who now lives in London, is thanking The Sick Children’s Trust in her sister’s memory. The Sick Children’s Trust supported Georgia along with her family with free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation throughout Sydnee’s life when she needed specialist treatment at GOSH. This meant they were never more than a few minutes away from Sydnee’s hospital bedside. Georgia says:

“The Sick Children’s Trust’s Rainbow House has supported our family since Sydnee was a baby. Knowing that somewhere exists that could give us a roof over our heads, a place to cook meals and a place to rest just minutes from Syds’ bedside was amazing. It meant that we could be by Syds’ side up until midnight and be back across to the hospital at the break of dawn. She was never alone. She always had us there.

“The last five weeks of Syds’ life were incredibly hard, we could see just how poorly she was and it was completely heart-breaking. But we were there every day and every night. We didn’t have to worry about her being alone, or not being there when we needed to be because The Sick Children’s Trust was there for us.

“Whenever I talk and think about Syds, I am overwhelmed with how inspirational she was. Despite her daily struggle and daily treatment she was always smiling. Syds would get so excited about things we take for granted. She absolutely loved being outdoors, and when she needed a wheelchair we made sure she could still enjoy this by taking her to her favourite park and feeding the squirrels and ducks.

“Because of her condition, Syds didn’t eat however her love for baking and seeing others enjoy her food would have you believe otherwise. She loved school, arts and crafts and dressing up. I miss Syds every single day, she was the bravest, most inspirational and beautiful person. It is an honour to have been her big sister.

“My decision to run the marathon is for Syds, and it’s to say thank you to The Sick Children’s Trust for their support. Some days can be so hard , as I’m constantly thinking about how the person I loved with all my heart is no longer with me, but I know that on cold, dark evening runs after long days at work she will be the one who keeps me going.”

Georgia is joining #TeamSCT this year to raise money for thousands of families who have sick children in hospital. Georgia is hoping to raise £2,000 which will go towards supporting families with free ‘Home from Home’ accommodation. Rainbow House Manager, Sandra Williams says:

“Georgia’s family have suffered a great loss which we are all very saddened by. Sydnee was so brave and so beautiful. Our thoughts are with Georgia and her family.

“Sydnee’s bravery can also be seen in Georgia who is taking on a huge challenge for The Sick Children’s Trust which will test her physically and emotionally. We are so grateful to Georgia for choosing to run for us and to help us continue to support families with ‘Home from Home’ accommodation. Thank you and good luck!”

To help Georgia reach her £2,000 target, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Georgia-Donaldson14

For further information about The Sick Children’s Trust, please visit http://www.sickchildrenstrust.org/