Nottingham dad of two, Chris Mitchell, will be completing a 75-mile running challenge at the Robin Hood Half Marathon to support Pasic during Children’s Cancer Awareness Month.
Running to raise money for East Midlands children’s cancer charity, Pasic, Chris will be completing the last 13.2 miles of his 75-mile challenge as he crosses the finish line at the Robin Hood Half Marathon.
Managing Director of RedTree PR, Chris, has been running for several years, as a way to keep fit and bust stress, however his running was shelved 10 months ago when his youngest son Alfie was diagnosed with Leukaemia.
Since November 11 2023, Chris, his wife Rachel and oldest son Teddy have supported Alfie, who also has Down Syndrome, in fighting the condition in hospital, going through chemotherapy treatment and battling a series of infections.
Chris explains: “I am running 75 miles throughout September to raise money for Pasic. They have helped us, and other families we know, since Alfie has been diagnosed. The charity is based at Nottingham’s QMC, Leicester and Northampton and its 75 miles between all three hospitals.
“They are a small local charity that is ‘on the ground’ in hospitals providing invaluable emotional, practical, and financial support to the whole family. For example, they provide money for days out so families can get time together and a bit of respite. I wanted to support a charity that has directly helped us and so many people we know.”
Now based at Nottingham’s Children’s Hospital, PASIC started in 1977 as the Parents Association for Seriously ill Children. When a group of parents of children with cancer realised there was no support for them as families, they got together with their consultant at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre to set up a self-help group. The established charity ethos is ‘making sure no family in the East Midlands faces childhood cancer alone’.
Using the self-depreciating moniker ‘Fatboy Runs’, Chris has undertaken several other charity challenges and partnered with friends to raise funds for Footprints Conductive Education Centre by taking part in the Nottingham Half Marathon twice for them and the London Landmarks Half Marathon. He also ran the virtual London Marathon during COVID and the Great North Swim for Mencap, raising over £3,500.
Chris shares: “The families on the Children’s ward at QMC are all dealing with an awful situation. I try my best to be positive, make the best of each day and have as much fun as possible. Having a positive mindset is the only way to get through something like this and for me, running and doing something positive helps that.
“I am proud of every one of our friends on the ward. They show what it means to unconditionally love your child and do your best by your kids. If the money raised can help provide some days out and happy memories for people then I am all for that.”
Chris finds that running helps him process everything that he and his family is going through and has missed being able to get out on the road since Alfie’s diagnosis. In preparation for the challenge, he’s been fitting running in before and after work, prioritising family time while sacrificing any social life, but it’s all worth it to work towards smashing his modest £500 fundraising target.
Chris concludes: “We’ve had so much support from the hospital, and we’ve met other families whose little ones sadly didn’t make it. Although Alfie has a really long road of treatment ahead of him, we’re really proud of our little fighter and we wanted to do something to give back for the care and kindness we’ve received at the Queens Medical Centre, Pasic and the community.”
Anyone wanting to donate to Chris or follow his progress can follow his charity page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/christopher-mitchell-1725440684458 or follow his Instagram profile @christmitchell_rtpr.
