A SIBLING duo are running in memory of their family friend who died having suffered with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Sebastian, 10 and Annabelle Watts, 8, from Bracknell, are hoping to raise £1,000 to help the MS Society.
The charity helped their late family friend Julia Jane Hall who suffered with the “debilitating” disease and their recently diagnosed friend Fleur.
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A Just Giving fundraising page has been set up to help the ‘super sibling’s raise as much money.
The page said: “We’ve recently watched Pride of Britain Awards and seeing the young and courageous children doing incredible and selfless things to help others inspired us to do our own Big Siblings Fundraising Challenge. “Last year we’ve raised over £2,000 for the NHS and this year we’ve decided to support a charity close to our hearts.
“Our 36 mile run is dedicated to a special family friend, Julia Jane Hall, who recently passed away having suffered with MS for many years. We also want to raise funds to help our recently diagnosed dear friend Fleur and all other MS sufferers.”
The money raised through their running challenge will help the MS Society with their research and clinical trials into the disease.
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Julia’s children, Claire and Gary, are fully behind Sebastian and Annabelle’s plea and they kindly sent their message of support.
They wrote: “Our beloved mum Julia Jane Hall was diagnosed with MS in the early 1990’s. She experienced periods of relapse followed by periods of remission for the following 20 years. In the last 10 years, mum’s MS progressed to the point that she needed round the clock care in her home. Mum battled MS for 30 years. She was courageous, upbeat, positive and her strength in the face was real adversity was astounding.”
On October 9, Julia passed away age 65 from the complications of immobility caused by MS.
The family added: “When mum was diagnosed all those years ago, treatments were limited. This is not the case now. Treatments that can extend quality of life and limit the excruciating and debilitating symptoms of MS are more readily available. Those diagnosed with MS today are thankfully presented with a very different outlook.
“As a family we are committed to raising funds for the MS Society to ensure that others receive the treatment and support that they deserve. This is what our mum would want”.
So far, the Bracknell siblings have raised £464 at the time this article was published.
A number of people have donated to their fundraising page, leaving kind messages of support.
Sharon Paddison said: “Well done to you both, you are an inspiration” while Shakira, Ciaran and Noah said: “Well done Annabelle and Sebastian, you are both superstars. So proud of you both.”
Sebastian and Annabelle’s friends have also helped support them on their runs by dropping off fundraising leaflets, donating their pocket money and even joining them on their runs.
Visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sebastianannabelle to donate.
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