Marathon man set to help out ‘angel’
AMAN from Heald Green is running the London Marathon in aid of a charity he says has been a ‘real life guardian angel’ to his nephew and his family.
Martyn Jones, 38, says the support the Rainbow Trust has given his nine-year-old nephew Adam Finch – who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of eight – Adam’s sister Megan, 13, and their mum Claire has been vital.
Rainbow Trust support families caring for a child with a life threatening or terminal illness, helping them at home, in the hospital, and in the community.
Martyn aims to cross the finish line in London in April in a time of three hours and 15 minutes; beating his previous record of three hours and 27 minutes. He said: “Rainbow Trust can get forgotten about. People always think of the medical help a seriously ill child needs, which is vital, but equally vital is seeing the emotional and practical support Rainbow Trust gives Adam, Megan and Claire. Rainbow Trust is a real life guardian angel and if I can help them continue helping Adam and other families in the future then I will.”
Adam underwent treatment and surgery to remove the tumour in his brain last year. He is recovering well but the trauma of his illness has taken its toll. His Rainbow Trust support worker, Sean, has worked with the whole family, supporting Megan to come to terms with Adam’s diagnosis, and entertaining him in hospital so Claire can have a break.
Martyn, who regularly takes Adam to the park to aid his recovery, added: “When Adam was going through treatment there’s nothing you can really do apart from being there and visiting. Adam knows I have always been a keen runner and I wanted to be doing something he knows I enjoy. Adam is really touched that I am running.”
Emma Haines, director of marketing and fundraising at the Rainbow Trust, said: “We are extremely grateful to Martyn Jones and all our marathon runners for taking on such a challenge to raise vital funds.
“Martyn is right when he says that it is fundraising efforts such as this which make such a great difference, enabling us to help more families supporting families with a life threatening or terminal illness.”
For more information visit the website at rainbowtrust.org.uk.