Taking on Bath Half Marathon for charity close to family’s heart

Matthew White from Melksham is taking part in the Vitality Bath Half Marathon on Sunday 13th March.

He is competing to raise money for Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, which supports families caring for a child with a life threatening or terminal illness. For a number of years Matthew’s family has received Rainbow Trust’s support caring for their eldest daughter Emily.

Matthew will be joining 13,000 other runners as they face the scenic 13.1 mile course through the heart of the city, straddling both sides of the Avon. His sister and Emily’s auntie, Kimberley Miller, will also be showing support for Rainbow Trust as she takes part with him.

Matthew’s daughter Emily, 17, has a life threatening degenerative illness called MPAN which affects her mobility and her cognitive skills, causing loss of sight and regular choking episodes.

A Rainbow Trust Family Support Worker regularly visits the family and spends time with them as a family and individually as and when they need support.

Matthew said, “It has long been an ambition of mine to run the Bath Half as I grew up in the city. Rainbow Trust’s support enables us to cope with our difficult situation – we have many brilliant professionals who are involved in Emily’s life, but our Rainbow Trust Family Support Worker Jayne is the only one we can truly call a friend. Crossing the finish line will feel amazing, with so much pride at having achieved something worthwhile for this fantastic charity.”

Kimberley added, “When Matthew told me he had signed up to run for Rainbow Trust, I knew that I had to join him. As a working mum of two it is a constant juggling act trying to find time to keep fit, but by signing up for the Bath Half I have given myself a clear goal to achieve something great.”

Rainbow Trust is a national charity which offers emotional and practical support for the whole family; from their child’s diagnosis, during treatment and, if needed, through bereavement and beyond.

Emma Haines, director of marketing and fundraising at Rainbow Trust said, “We are thrilled Matthew and Kimberley have chosen to run for Rainbow Trust. It’s all down to the hard work and generosity of our runners that we’re able to raise vital funds from events like this. We wish Matthew and Kimberley the very best of luck.”

Together, Matthew and Kimberley are hoping to raise £400 for Rainbow Trust which is enough to provide 17 hours of care from a family support worker.

To sponsor Matthew and Kimberley, visit their fundraising page online: virginmoneygiving.com/matthewwhite16 and to join Rainbow Trust’s Bath Half Marathon team sign up online at rainbowtrust.org.uk/bathhalf