Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I first had the pleasure of meeting Samuel and his wonderful family a number of years ago.  They had become friends with my niece Rhona and her husband Craig, through Rhona and Craig's baby girl Eilidh requiring prolonged hospital admissions at Yorkhill Childrens Hospital. 

Samuel was the first baby in Scotland who was wholly dependent on TPN, and therefore knows first hand what lies ahead for kids who need this form of nutrition to stay alive.

To be told that your child has a life limiting, chronic, debilitating condition is one thing, but to then be told that the very thing keeping them alive (TPN) is slowly killing them, is a difficult issue to try and get your head around.

For anyone lucky enough to have met Samuel, you will realize that Samuel doesn't let his condition (Hirschprungs with total intestinal failure) get him down.  He strongly believes that he has a purpose in life, and that purpose is to help kids in similar circumstances, and to make them as happy as possible.  Samuel's Smile is infectious, and I couldn't think of a more apt name for this wonderful and truly remarkable young gents charity.

I don't have enough space on this page to try and tell you what Samuel and his family do.  Even if I did, there could never be enough words to describe it.  Sharon (Samuel's Mum) and Samuel work tirelessly - from providing emotional support to other parents who have kids with rare conditions, meeting up with Trust management at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, to discussing TPN/Hospital issues with Government bodies.  The list is endless.

Every single penny raised for Samuel's Smile goes directly to kids with rare diseases, in Scotland.  A number of great days out have already taken place where every child had a fantastic time.  Please help me help Samuel continue with his work.  Every child deserves happiness, but for these rare kids whose lives revolve around weekly hospital visits, multiple surgeries, and prolonged admissions, sometimes things that are taken for granted for "normal" kids, is just that little bit extra special for these kids.

My pledge?  I will be competing in the Balfron 10K, Major Series, Tough Mudder, Climbing Ben Nevis, The Great North Run Half Marathon and Glasgow Half Marathon.  The list may be extended, dependent on injuries/recovery.

Thanks for reading, and please donate what you can.

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