Dad to run 68 miles in memory of daughter, 5 Eva’s final journey to be recreated for poignant fundraiser

Two years ago in April, Eva Giles - the little girl with the infectious laugh and unwavering spirit - made her final journey from hospital to her home where she died in the arms of her family.

She was just five years old and had spent almost a year bravely battling a rare brain tumour Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma before her parents Dean and Emma made the decision to bring her back to Herne Bay to say goodbye.

To mark the anniversary of the poignant journey and raise money for Eva’s Angels - the Kentish Gazette’s charity of the year - Dean is preparing to run 68 miles in one day, taking the same route Eva made before she died on April 7, 2017.

“It was with bone weary sadness and unspeakable grief that we made the choice to move her from St George’s Hospital intensive care unit in Lon- don back home where doctors would remove her life support machine,” Dean explained.

“She travelled in the ambulance with Mum, while I drove back ahead to explain to our other two children that it was the last time they were going to see their sister.

“Our only consolation was Eva passed away quietly in our arms, safely in a place she knew and loved.”

Dean, 40, who lives in Mickleburgh Hill with wife Emma and their children Euan, 10, and Rosie, five, says a small team will re-create that journey from Tooting to Herne Bay on Saturday, April 6, including James May- bourn, who runs James Fitness and is helping with the training.

Dean and Emma say through charities Taylor Made Dreams and the Make A Wish Foundation, they were able to take Eva and their other children away to create magical memories.

Their own experience led to them buy a caravan in Swalecliffe last year and set up Eva’s Angels to help families like themselves make lasting memories or reconnect after the tragic death of a child.

They are hoping to raise £15,000, which will go towards buying another caravan.

n To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/evas-ultra.

www.kentonline.co.uk