The Littlehampton 10k: Virtual Edition is a virtual run with a difference, with a live warm-up, real-time count down, special playlist, energising commentary, unique medal and much more! Chestnut Tree House will bring all the excitement, camaraderie, and competition of the big day right to you, wherever you are.
Bring your office Together Apart and compete for the best running time. You will each start and run the 10k at 9:30am on Sunday September 6th from your own front door or location of your choice. If you do not want to take part with your colleagues, you can take part alone, with a running friend, or in a small socially distanced group.
Whilst participants will be physically running apart, Chestnut Tree House will be bringing everyone together on the day – virtually – as you run Together Apart and make a difference to child- ren with life-shortening conditions, like Jacob, and their families.
JACOB’S STORY
Just like many eight-year-old boys, Jacob is a film fanatic, loves spending time outdoors and splashing around in the swimming pool. “Jacob is a sociable little boy. Everyone knows him in our local community, he loves it when people come up to us and have a chat” says Mum, Elaine. “He is an absolute joy, has a wicked sense of humour and does great big belly laughs!”
Jacob has Global Development Delay, meaning that he is significantly delayed in his cognitive and physical development. Jacob also has the highest grade of cerebral palsy, severe breathing issues, and uncontrollable seizures. “He has no independent movement so he can’t do anything himself.”
When Jacob was two years old, the family were told about their local children’s hospice, Chestnut Tree House, by a member of the hospital outreach team. The family then soon booked their first overnight stay at the hospice building near Arundel. “I don’t know what I was expecting, but the moment we walked through the doors we were amazed. We could not believe how much care and love was there. It was fantastic. It was a huge eye-opener, we could see all the opportunities there for Jacob. And for us, it was the first time we could sit down and relax for a very long time.”
As well as short breaks at the hospice, the family has Ruth, a Chestnut Tree House Nurse who visits them at home every month, allowing Jacob to get out and about to explore his local community, whilst giving Mum and Dad have a well- deserved break. “I don’t know what life would be like with Chestnut. It would be awful. It would feel like something had been cut out of us. In many ways, they are our lifeline. It would unbelievably sad for Jacob, he would miss out onto much. He is really happy when he comes back from his visits. He loves it.”
To support families like Jacob’s and find out more about the Littlehampton 10k:
Virtual Edition, visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/littlehampton-10k
email events@chestnut-tree-house.org.uk or call 01903 706355.
