Horsham Father’s half marathon run for lifesaving cause

Andy Fountain, 46, from Cowfold, is gearing up to run the Brighton Half Marathon on February 22 to help raise money for a children’s charity which helps fund lifesaving treatment for youngsters.

The cause is one close to Andy’s heart as his eldest son, Eddie, spent the last 20 years receiving treatment for a condition he has suffered with since birth.

Andy said: “My eldest son Eddie was born with a condition that meant he required surgery within hours of being born, his oesophagus was not connected so there was no route from his mouth to his stomach. He was taken to the Royal Alexandra in Brighton for surgery and spent his first few months of life in the intensive care department there having numerous operations to fix him. He remained under the care of the Royal Alexandra until he became too old to be considered a child, then he was transferred to the care of the Princess Royal in Haywards Heath. Last year he was discharged from their care at 20 years old!”

Andy will be raising money for Global’s ‘Make Some Noise’ campaign which supports disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. The campaign supports charities who give money to children’s hospitals across the country including the Royal Alexandra which helped Eddie.

Andy added: “I felt it was time for me to help raise funds for a charity that helps the Rocking Horse Appeal who support the Royal Alexandra but also I was touched by the reports on Heart and felt that helping their Make Some Noise campaign would benefit children all over.”

The 46-year-old has taken part in many previous marathons, including the Brighton Full Marathon every year since it was created.

He said: “I am hoping that I will have the legs to get round Brighton in a personal best for a half marathon which is another aim for the day.

“I have run a few half marathons and a few marathons over the years but have not run for a few months. I now need to increase my mileage a bit before the big day.”

Andy has previously raised £1,500 for Rocking Horse Appeal by completing two end to end cycle rides and is planning on raising another £250 from the half marathon.

To donate to the run visit https://brightonhalf.everydayhero.com/uk/andy