On the 26th July 2024, Rolls Royce employees and Livewell champions James Spray and Matt Shillcock, will attempt to run 100 miles in 24 hours to raise funds for the Revive Charity in Chaddesden. All funds raised will be used to pay for a Summer holiday to Butlins Skegness. #SAS Skegness – Spray And Shillcock!
The Runners
With kit sponsored by Derby Runner and supported by their colleagues and Rolls Royce in this huge personal challenge, Matt and James explained “The date of #SAS Skegness is important. It’s the start of the school summer holidays and a time when children should all be looking forward to a holiday with their families. That is not possible for many and, as parents ourselves, we were keen to ensure that the children supported by Revive can experience the seaside and make happy memories.”
The Families
Among those looking forward to a holiday this summer is eight-year-old Joseph from Chaddesden who underwent a gruelling double lung transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital last May. He will be joined by his parents Andy and Jade and his six brothers and sisters, including the latest addition to the family who will be just a few weeks old.
Joseph contracted pneumonia when he was three months old which scarred his lungs and he was later diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and Bronchial Obliterans. Before the new lungs Joseph only had 18% lung function, needed two litres of oxygen 24/7, regular hospital stays and a huge assortment of medication including IV antibiotics.
Since receiving two new lungs, Joseph has taught himself to ride a bike and even joined a local football team, but this will be the first time that the whole family have been able to go on holiday together.
Andy said: “Life for Joseph and the whole family has been really tough so we are looking forward to our first holiday together. It will be just over a year since Joseph had the transplant and will give us time to re-set the button on family life.
“It’s amazing what these guys are doing running from Derby to Skegness and it just shows that there are good people out there who recognise how tough life can be for some families and who are prepared to literally go the extra mile to help.”
The Charity
Jo Andrew, Manager at Revive, said "all the children hoping to benefit from the holiday have experienced some sort of personal trauma. They are without doubt, young people that deserve to put their feet in the sand, laugh and have fun. If you can, please sponsor James and Matt to help us provide them with happy, holiday memories."
Rolls-Royce are one of the many companies, organisations and individuals who support the work of the Revive Charity throughout the year including Secret Santa, Winter Aid and ‘Hopes, Dreams & Aspirations’ on top of the daily job club and personal support for families in the area.