Jenny Milton, a mum of two from Bishopsworth in Bristol is no stranger to running having completed various half marathons over the years. This year, for the first time, Jenny is taking on the Bath Half Marathon 2020 in support of Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) where she works. Jenny is part of the Sibling Team at Charlton Farm children’s hospice near Bristol, which provides dedicated support and care to brothers and sisters of children with life-limiting conditions.

Jenny says it’s a role she feels privileged to do: “Along with other members of the Sibling Team, I get to know the children and build strong relationships with them so I am able to support them in the best way possible. We support children from four to teenagers so it’s important to offer a wide range of activities! In-house there’s lots we are able to do such as playing electronic and traditional games, arts and crafts, soft play. We may even have a pool party in the jacuzzi. We also take children on all kinds of trips, including to the zoo, the cinema or nature walks in the woods.”

Siblings are able to spend as much for a little time as they feel they want with the dedicated Sibling Team. Jenny said: “The time we spend together allows us to find out what things are like at home for them. We are also able to link them up with other siblings so they can get to know each other and encourage friendships with children in a similar situation. We give the siblings a chance to talk openly about how they’re feeling and facilitate them having a precious time as a family whilst they stay at the hospice.”

Jenny is passionate about raising money for CHSW and has taken on several runs for the charity and raised vital sponsorship. She said: “Working here and seeing first-hand the support we can offer to families facing the unimaginable motivates me. On the way round I’ll be thinking about all the families I’ve been able to support and work with and I know it will keep me going. I would encourage anyone interested in running the Bath Half for CHSW and help raise money for this incredible charity.”

CHSW has a limited number of places for Bath Half 2020 at a cost of £30. Sign up at: www.chsw.org.uk/bathhalf

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