Warrington dad fundraises for Derian House Children’s Hospital

Ellissa Dodd died in October last year after living with a rare condition most of her life, FoxG1.

The condition meant that Ellissa, known as ‘Boo Boo’ to her loved ones, could not walk, speak or fully see.

But she communicated in her own way and had a huge impact on everyone she knew.

Throughout Ellissa’s life, Derian House Children’s Hospital in Chorley provided a ‘pillar of support’ for her as well as her dad Jack mum Liz, and siblings Sophia and Charlie.

So Jack decided to give back to the hospice by taking on an incredible 62-mile run.

In the early hours of May 27, the 35-year-old and his group of close friends set off from Harrogate to the Chorley hospice.

And despite the heat and some horrific blisters, the group made it to the hospice in 15 hours and were met by huge cheers from friends and family.

The mega-marathon raised an incredible £8,000 for the hospice – more than double Jack's target.

Jack said: “It was extremely tough and difficult to keep going at times. It was a very hot day, which didn’t make it easy, and some of the guys ended up with some horrific blisters. But we had a lot of good banter throughout and kept each other’s spirits up.

"We knew we were doing it for Ellissa – that’s what kept us going more than anything.

“A big group of family and friends were there to cheer us on at the finish line – it was fantastic.

"We actually managed to sprint the last stretch. We were so over the moon when we had done it – and very glad to be able to finally sit down.

“Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far – it means a lot to us all and will go towards helping families like ours. We made many happy memories with Ellissa at the hospice – splashing in the hydrotherapy pool, playing in the gardens, and watching films in the cinema.

"We are so pleased – we didn’t think we would raise such an amazing amount.”

Jack and his friends after completing the mega-marathon (Image: Supplied)

Jack was joined on his mega marathon by friends Rich Sharpe, James Limbert, and Chris Riddell as well as work friends Rob Walsh, Andrew Livesy, and Lewis Moss.

Kerry Pritchard, community fundraiser at Derian House, said: “What an incredible achievement for Jack and everyone who took part. 

"The challenge has raised an amazing amount that will go towards care for families like Jack’s.

“While care is free for families, it will cost £6 million to run services at Derian House in 2023. We rely on the generosity of our kind-hearted supporters – like Jack – for 70p in every £1.”

You can still sponsor Jack’s challenge for Ellissa: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jack-dodd3  

Jack's son Charlie cheering him on (Image: Supplied)