On 10 October 2021 I am running the Manchester Half Marathon in memory of baby Alexis Constantinou. Funds raised will be going to Acorns Children's Hospice, which provides care, fun and laughter for children like Alexis with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families. It costs £27,000 a day to deliver all of Acorns services and 60% of its funding is provided by generous supporters; and the money raised makes a real difference for hundreds of critically ill children and their families each year. 

So if you can spare *anything*, please, please donate and let’s help Acorns to continue delivering its essential services. 

Here's Alexis's story: 

Baby Alexis was taken from his loving family tragically and heartbreakingly young. At just a few months old doctors confirmed that the little boy had Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1. Unfortunately this is a terminal condition with a short life expectancy. A matter of days after diagnosis Alexis was admitted to hospital with a chest infection, after which he became weaker. His Mum and Dad had to learn how to suction him and feed him by tube. Periods of hospital admissions and being cared for at home followed. Sadly, though, his condition continued to worsen and so his family turned to Acorns Hospice, which provided care for both baby and family, and tried to make life as normal as it could be. 

Sadly Alexis passed away on November 2nd 2015, aged just 7 months old.

I never met Alexis but learned about his story after meeting his wonderful Mum Xanthe in 2019, who has since become a true (and inspiring) friend. Xanthe and her family have done so much to keep Alexis's spirit alive; and I'm running this in memory of their little angel and for them, who have made it their little boy’s legacy to ensure that Acorns can go on delivering much-needed support and care for poorly little children and their families. 

https://alexisconstantinou.muchloved.com/