Debbie Miller will be raising funds for Zoë’s Place which provides vital respite care for her two-year-old son Jack.
Jack is one of only around 100 people in the world to suffer from the rare and severe neurological condition known as ADSL (Adenylosuccinate lyase) deficiency.
He is unable to speak or move around and has to be fed via a tube in his stomach and as such requires a huge amount of special care.
Since February 2015 the family have been supported in caring for Jack by Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice in Middlesbrough.
The hospice provides specialist care for children with life-limiting and life-shortening conditions and aims to be a ‘home from home’.
The respite care provided by Zoë’s Place has allowed Debbie to return to work part time, teaching Spanish at Carmel College, Darlington.
Debbie, from Nunthorpe, said: “I can go to work knowing that the amazing staff at Zoë’s Place are giving Jack the specialist care he needs but also doing lots of fun activities and giving him lots of cuddles!”
A recent convert to running, Debbie is aiming to complete the Taylor Wimpey Tees Pride 10k Road Race on Sunday, September 4 – and raise vital funds for Zoë’s Place into the bargain.
After starting running – “well, more walking than running to begin with!” – with Eaglescliffe Running Group in May, the 35-year-old quickly progressed to 5k and then set her sights on the flagship Tees Pride event.
She added: “We are very fortunate to have a baby hospice nearby and know what a difference it makes to our lives and that of the other families who it supports.
“As a small local charity it is reliant on donations from the public to keep it going so I’m hoping to help raise awareness and some much needed money for a fantastic cause.”
Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “Stories like Debbie’s are what the Tees Pride 10k is all about.
“Alongside the personal achievement, runners and walkers make a real difference for the causes and charities that matter to them.
“I wish Debbie all the best for what will undoubtedly be a memorable and hugely enjoyable day.”
For full details and entry information on the 2016 Taylor Wimpey Tees Price 10k and SABIC 3k Fun Run on Sunday, September 4 visit www.runmiddlesbrough.com, drop in to any of Middlesbrough’s Everyone Active sport and leisure venues or call 01642 200833.
Entries close on Sunday, August 28.