A MUM is preparing to take on one of the toughest challenges in the country, all for the charity that helped her son.
Rebecca Cook is to take on the London Marathon in aid of Smile Train, which helps children born with a cleft palette.
The 39-year-old discovered her son, who is now eight, was going to be born with a cleft when she went for her 20-week scan.
When George was four months old, he underwent a five-hour operation to repair his cleft lip – which inspired Rebecca to run Reading Half Marathon to raise money for work his surgeon was doing in Uganda.
“At first, it was a daunting position to be in,” she says. “As a family, we came to realise how fortunate we are that he’s been able to access outstanding care via an amazing NHS team.
“I truly believe that because of this expert treatment, there will be no significant impact on his life and nothing to stop him from achieving all his hopes and dreams, and we would like to make that possible for all children born with clefts around the world.”
George will soon be undergoing another surgery to take a bone graft from his hip to repair his gum.
Rebecca says: “The surgery is an intimidating procedure for any kid, but the hardest bit for George is that it will take him away from his passion of playing sport for at least six weeks. George’s bravery and encouragement inspired me to run the London Marathon for Smile Train.”
With this in mind, Rebecca says she feels so passionately about supporting charities like Smile Train – who provide cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to babies born with cleft in more than 90 countries across the world.
Rebecca says she has been enjoying training so far, but it has come with its challenges.
“It’s certainly been a juggle managing life, work, being mum to three children and lots of sacrifices have been made along the way,” she says.
“Knowing that the sponsorship means every step I take is making a difference and transforming lives keeps me going – and will make me very emotional on the day.”
She says George has been playing an instrumental role in bringing those important donations in: “He organised a raffle and baked some amazing cakes for the winners. He’s been a superstar drumming up support among his friends and sports mates to help with fundraising.”
They have raised £2,500 so far, and hope to raise more.
For more details, or to make a donation, log on to: visit: smiletrain.org.uk
