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Terry and his wife, Alison, packed supplies and followed the family to London. Ayda was diagnosed with meningitis, which caused her body to shut down. After five days in hospital, she was thankfully able to return home.<\/p>\n
Throughout Ayda\u2019s time at The Royal London Hospital, Lauren and Bradley were supported by The Sick Children\u2019s Trust at Stevenson House. Located just a short walk from the hospital, Stevenson House made sure they could always be by Ayda\u2019s side, completely free of charge. <\/p>\n
To thank the charity, the family held a fundraising race night, and Terry is now taking on the London Marathon to raise further funds. <\/p>\n
Terry said: \u201cIt was really worrying when Bradley called to say Ayda was seriously ill and they were being blue-lighted to hospital. We rushed to get some things for them and got to the hospital where Ayda was surrounded by doctors, tubes and wires. You couldn\u2019t help but fear the worst.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing transferred to the Royal London Hospital, an hour away from their home in Benfleet, added even more stress. But knowing they could stay close to Ayda at Stevenson House was really reassuring for all of us. <\/p>\n
“When Ayda was moved back to Basildon Hospital, Brad and I went to the \u2018Home from Home\u2019 to collect their things. I could see straight away how amazing the facilities were and how much of a difference the charity makes to parents.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we left, I said to Bradley that we should do some fundraising for The Sick Children\u2019s Trust, and he suggested that I could do the marathon!\u201d<\/p>\n
Lauren said: \u201cStevenson House was such an important support for us. Without it, we would have to travel to and from the hospital, which just wasn\u2019t an option with Ayda so poorly. <\/p>\n
“Staying in a hotel would have been too expensive. The Sick Children\u2019s Trust took all that extra worry away and made sure we could always be by her side.<\/p>\n
\u201cAyda\u2019s doing a lot better now. She is still being monitored as there\u2019s a risk she could have the seizures again if she gets another infection. <\/p>\n
“We\u2019ve all been trained on how to administer specialist medication if that happens, but thankfully she\u2019s doing well at home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Terry will be one of 11 runners taking on the London Marathon in support The Sick Children\u2019s Trust. <\/p>\n
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FUND-RACING: Grandfather Terry O’Leary will be running in the London Marathon for the Sick Children’s Trust<\/p>\n
Terry added: \u201cI\u2019ve been applying to run the London Marathon for years but was never successful. As soon as it was suggested I run for the charity, it was a no brainer. <\/p>\n
“We\u2019ll always be grateful to The Sick Children\u2019s Trust for the support they gave Lauren and Brad, and we want to give back as much as possible. We raised \u00a31,470 already at our charity race night and plan to do a lot more fundraising.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy training is going well and I\u2019m looking forward to the day, although it\u2019s turning out to be tougher than I expected! Having family cheering me along the route, and my special laces that say \u2018You can do it granddad\u2019 will definitely help me make it to reach the finish line.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information about Terry\u2019s fundraising visit his Just Giving page \u00a0https:\/\/www.justgiving.com\/page\/alison-oleary-1726411755500<\/a><\/p>\n