COLLEAGUES at Stratford based insurer NFU Mutual are striding out in aid of the charity Molly Olly’s Wishes.
A team will be undertaking The Cotswold Way Challenge, a 100km trek from Bath to Cheltenham, on Saturday (July 1) as a way of saying thank you for the support given to a workmate.
The charity supports children with terminal or life threatening illnesses and their families to help with their emotional wellbeing. They grant individual wishes and donate therapeutic toys and books to children directly and also to hospitals throughout the UK.
NFU Mutual employee Paula Partridge’s son Ollie is currently undergoing treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital for a tumour on his rib, next to his heart wall. Ollie recently received a fantastic space themed makeover for his bedroom from Molly Olly’s Wishes, which provided a welcome boost during the difficult time.
Paula said: “At the time of diagnosis Ollie was only four years old. When we were told this news all I wanted to do was swap places with him but of course all parents feel this way and sadly it’s not an option.”
Ollie has now completed eight courses of chemo – which has been really effective in shrinking the tumour – with his operation planned soon to remove the tumour.
Paula added: “He has been absolutely amazing throughout this and is incredibly resilient. We are full of admiration for him when he skips into the ward and makes all the nurses laugh as he heads in for yet more chemo that’s going to make him feel poorly. He never complains but just asks us how many nights sleepover it will be this time.”
Martin Truscott, business relationship manager at NFU Mutual, has headed up the fundraising team, and hopes to raise £5,000 with support from colleagues, family, friends, and NFU Mutual.
Joining Martin on his team will be Gary Joynes, Sara Freer and Peter Wallin.
Martin said: “Paula told me how much support she and her husband have been given by a small local charity called Molly Olly’s Wishes. That was the point I decided to try and do something to support, and The Cotswold Way Challenge was set.
“Looking at the route it’s going to be tough, so anything under 17 hours would be a good completion time.”
Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/MollyOlly to sponsor Martin and the team.
