Uncle Runs London Marathon in Memory of Little Daisy

A determined Uncle is taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money in memory of his great niece, Daisy.

Roy Traynor, 53 from Howden, will be running the iconic 26.2 mile course to raise money for The Sick Children's Trust, a charity that supports the families of sick children by providing free 'Home from Home' accommodation. The charity supported Roy's niece, Lucy Fraser and husband Scott when their daughter, Daisy, spent seven months at Sheffield Children's Hospital.

Daisy was born in 2003 with a short bowel and required specialist treatment at Sheffield Children's Hospital – 70 miles away from home in Grimsby. Daisy underwent numerous treatments at the specialist children's hospital, but her liver became damaged during this time. She required a liver transplant and, after seven months, was transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital where she received a new liver. Despite this, Daisy sadly passed away a few weeks later after a cardiac arrest. During Daisy's treatment at Sheffield Children's Hospital, The Sick Children's Trust's 'Home from Home' Treetop House supported Lucy, Scott and their two other daughters. The house meant they were just a couple of minutes' walk from Daisy's bedside. Roy, who is a member of the Goole Viking Striders running club, says:

“During Daisy's short life, her parents were supported tremendously by numerous charities at both hospitals. One in particular is especially close to their hearts - The Sick Children's Trust which runs a 'Home from Home' at Sheffield Children's Hospital called Treetop House.

“Being so far from home, The Sick Children's Trust gave Lucy, Scott and their daughters, Mollie and Anna a place where they could spend time together as a family, in a homely environment, away from a hospital ward. With free 'Home from Home' accommodation for seven months it allowed them to be as close as possible to Daisy on a daily basis and it also gave them some normality.

“They made friends and we're able to talk to other families who were going through turmoil themselves. Treetop House and the fantastic staff provided support to Lucy and Scott when they needed it most- and financially, it was one less thing to worry about during this stressful time in their lives.”

It costs The Sick Children's Trust £28 per night to support 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.

Roy, who started running 20 years ago following a rugby injury, was granted a ballot palace in this year's Virgin Money London Marathon and suggested running for The Sick Children's Trust to Lucy to say thank you for the charity's support. He continues:

“I ran the London Marathon two years ago but when I finished, inside I felt something was missing. I was fortunate to get a ballot place this year and that's when I approached Lucy about running for a charity that has helped our family in the past.

“I haven't put a target on fundraising, but obviously the more, the better! My employer, Drax Power Ltd, have kindly agreed to match pound for pound what I raise and The Tailors Chalk Micro Pub in Howden is also holding fundraising nights and pushing my sponsor form for me.”

Community Fundraiser, Diane Mcpherson–Emery says: “It's wonderful that Roy has chosen to run his second London Marathon for us this year. It's people like Roy that enable us to provide a vital service to families across the UK. Last year, we supported 3,600 families with free 'Home from Home' accommodation so that they could be with their loved ones when they needed to be the most – and with Roy's help, this year we could help even more. Good luck Roy, we look forward to cheering you on on the day!”

Roy 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 Roy's full story and support his fundraising, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/Roy-Traynor/