Family smashes fundraising target in Tough Mudder

This week marks Diabetes Awareness Week and the perfect time to celebrate the local family that has raised nearly £3,500 in an inspiring fundraising challenge to say thank you to the NHS teams at Epsom Hospital, who supported them through a difficult diagnosis just before Christmas.

5-year-old Fletcher was admitted to Casey Ward in the days leading up to Christmas, after waking up one morning unable to put his heels down to walk. It turns out this was muscle tightness from a bad case of flu but a urine sample and blood work discovered that Fletcher had type 1 diabetes.

“They have just been fantastic and the care and communications we have is amazing,” said his mum, Ashleigh. “All the staff involved have made a really difficult time for us as a family a lot easier, and I can never thank them enough.”

While Fletcher was in over the festive period, he was lucky to be visited by the Under 21 Chelsea Football Team, a moment organised by Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity. Determined to show their appreciations and to give back after receiving what they described as ‘fantastic’ care during an incredibly stressful time, Ashleigh, family and friends took on the famously tough obstacle court event, complete with lots of mud.

Fletcher, his brother Franklin, and their cousins Emma and Mollie joined in the action by taking part in the Mini Mudder – showing the same determination, love and teamwork that inspired the adults’ challenge.

Together, they have raised an incredible amount of money, all which will go directly back to the children’s ward and Paediatric Diabetes Service, helping to ensure other families continue to receive the same outstanding care.

“We really cannot thank everyone enough that has donated – whether big or small, it’s all added up. I’m so grateful and feel very loved that even people we don’t know were willing to help us. There’s still time to donate if anyone else would like to support the amazing teams that have helped us so much.”

You can donate to their fundraising efforts by visiting: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fletchers-fundraising

Big thank you, Fletcher, Ashleigh and family!