Words by Smiley Team
Two young children and their families are taking part in the annual RBC Race for Kids in order to raise money for the Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) Charity.
One of those is 9-year-old Joe Humphrey, nine, who was treated at GOSH for cerebral palsy. He received pioneering surgery to remove spasticity in his legs and had to learn to walk again.
“Great Ormond street changed my life when I had an operation to help me walk better,” he tells Smiley News. “I have some of my best ever memories being at GOSH, especially with my physio Danny, he was so cool and made everything fun. He knew I loved Mario so we he used to play the Mario music while I did physio and he was really funny.”
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Joe says he’ll be doing the Race for the Kids with all of his school friends. “I hope I can raise lots of money to help other kids who need help at GOSH,” he says. “So far I’ve raised over £5000 for GOSH Charity, but I’m hoping to raise a lot more.”
Mela Kar Yan Dodah, who is 11 years old, is also taking part. The hospital has relentlessly supported Mela since she was born, say the family. “We are extremely grateful.”
They’ll all be taking part in the 1k Race for the Kids, “to raise awareness and to support the hospital that has kept Mela strong and happy since she was a baby, it’s the least we can do”.
This year, the family has raised just under £800 for GOSH Charity, but over the past 12 years, they’ve raised more than £11,000.
Find out more about Race for the Kids here, or learn more about the Great Ormond Street Hospital charity. The charity supports research into children’s health, supports families and children, helps with rebuilding and refurbishment, and provides life-saving equipment for the hospital. You can donate here.
