Sam's Aunty, Sharon Letters, just returned from the "Big
Apple' where she ran the New York City Marathon for SAM
to help boost the charity funds.
Talking of her feelings about Sam and the decision to
run the NYC marathon Sharon told us...
"Like everyone else connected to Sam I was devastated
when we were told of his condition. I couldn't understand how something like
this could happen. Everyone who meets Sam falls in love with him. He is so funny
and loving, and to think of what the future potentially holds for him makes my
stomach churn and my heart so sad."
"I wanted to do something to raise awareness of the
charity, raise money, and also give me a huge personal
challenge at the same time. New York is such a high
profile event - it's the world's largest marathon - and
by doing something this big I thought it would inspire people to dig deep and
support me and the charity!"
Sharon started her rigorous 6 month training schedule in
May, increasing her mileage each week, pounding the
pavements 4 times a week, with cross training one day a
week. Her fiance Stephen was her trainer and running
partner as she prepared for her epic run.
"26
miles is a long way and I knew it would be no easy feat to someone who is not a
natural runner. There were some days going for a run was the last thing I wanted
to do and when the miles built up sometimes enthusiasm was a bit short! I did
occasionally question why I had got myself into this but then all I had to do
was think of Sam."
"Sam was my inspiration to do the marathon and thinking
of him kept me going. I knew that no matter how painful my muscles would be
during a run or how tired I was, it is nothing to what children with CMD have to
cope with. I would think of Sam's cheeky little grin and his infectious laugh
and I want him to have reason to keep smiling and laughing. I would love Sam to
have the chance to one day be able to run a race himself."
Sharon's efforts have certainly paid off! She raised a
total in excess of £7,000!!
"I am really touched by the response I have had. People
have been so generous both with their money and their support. I am pleased to
have spread the word to people about CMD and the charity as this has touched a
lot of people who have never heard of CMD before."
Sharon and SAM would like to extend an enormous
THANK-YOU to everyone who has donated.
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