AFTER hearing the tragic story of a baby who died on his first birthday at Chestnut Tree House, Dave Stamp was inspired to do something to help.
So he signed up to run the London Marathon and is on target to raise more than £1,000 for the Angmering-based children's hospice.
Dave was taking part in the Chestnut Tree House fun run along Littlehampton seafront last year when he saw a group of people wearing t-shirts saying Jack's Birthday Wish campaign.
When he got home, he read about the campaign on the internet.
Jack Blunsdon, from Shoreham, died at the hospice on his first birthday of a rare disorder called myotubular myopathy, causing muscle weakness throughout the body.
Dave, a 43-year-old father-of-two, said: "Reading a piece written by Jack's mother and seeing the determination of his friends and family at the fun run made up my mind to do something.
"I decided on the marathon because I'm a keen runner and it would give me the opportunity to promote the amazing work done at Chestnut Tree House."
Dave, from Haywards Heath, is now running up to 60 miles a week to train for the race, which is on Sunday, April 13.
He is also a member of the BBC running club.
Dave said: "Having children myself and working with them as a football coach, it makes you realise how fortunate most of us are when you hear a story like Jack's.
"I would encourage anyone else considering helping the hospice to do so because it is such a worthwhile cause."
To sponsor Dave's marathon attempt, visit
www.justgiving.com/davidstampAre you running the London Marathon?The Herald series wants to hear from people taking on the challenge and raising money for charity.
Contact reporter Katherine McGlinchey on 01903 282358 or email
katherine.mcglinchey@worthingherald.co.uk.
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