CAUSES close to the hearts of runners are what keeps them going to the finish line.
And this is certainly true for three Coventry school pupils who are tackling the 13 mile race in honour of a school friend.
Daniel Clarkson, Nirandeep Kalia and Leah Mannion are running the Coventry half marathon to raise money for the hospital who saved the life of their classmate, Alicia O’Malley.
The three 16-year-old pupils from the city’s Blue Coat School are fundraising for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, which was on hand to treat Alicia last year as she underwent treatment and a kidney transplant afer being diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease.
While things had been looking up after the transplant surgery, the levels of toxins in Alicia’s blood continue to rise meaning she is at risk of rejection and having to remain on permanent dialysis.
Not to be disheartened, Daniel, Niran and Leah are determined to reach their goal of £1,000 to fund the upkeep of the ward and new equipment as a thank you to the hospital staff’s hard work.
Speaking about the upcoming race, Nirandeep said: “We have prepared quite well and we are aiming for a time of 2hr 45min for the race.
“We are excited, but not too worried, as this is our first one and we are going in fearless.
“The money will go to the ward to help other children like Alicia – the Hospital has been amazing in making this dark and difficult situation into an almost bearable one.”
Donations can be made to ‘Team Alicia’ online at www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/teamalicia
