Charlotte Smith's son, Theodore, went into intensive care in 2023 after doctors discovered 94 per cent of his blood was riddled with cancer. A year later, Theo still had to endure another year of treatment until he could ring the bell. His mum, Charlotte, said: "Theo is such an inspirational little boy.
"He is an inspiration for us adults with his unfaltering bounce-back attitude after his traumatic hospital intervals. "His zest for life and finding such happiness in the simplest things of life just warms our hearts to the core." To raise money for the charity, Children with Cancer, Charlotte is running the London Marathon in April 2025.
She said: "I want to run this race to turn pain into purpose, to raise awareness as children with cancer get only 3 per cent of funding, as it's considered to be rare. "I would love to think that one day, there will be kinder treatment, and live in a world where all children with cancer get to survive." To aid the fundraising effort, several businesses have teamed up to provide 114 prizes at an all-day charity raffle event in Christchurch.
Snap Fitness has offered to host a grand draw event on October 12 in Somerford Road in Christchurch. The prizes, worth more than £5,000, include a stay in a Swiss apartment, family entertainment packages and DIY equipment. Charlotte and her husband, who run a luxury holiday company, have contributed some of the prizes, offering stays in premium holiday apartments.
Tickets are £5, and there will be a free .
