AN Okehampton mum is running the Virtual London Marathon tomorrow, October 3, for the Royal Devon and Exeter Charity, to thank staff for caring for her young son.

Louise Lyle’s two-year-old son, Charlie, was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (RD and E) by ambulance this August, after she discovered unexplained bruises on his legs and purpura under the skin on his neck.

He was quickly diagnosed with a condition called Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a blood disorder characterised by a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood.

This August, Charlie spent eight days on Bramble Ward at the RD and E after he experienced an uncontrollable bleed from the back of the nose which required emergency surgery and time in the High Dependency Unit (HDU). Charlie is now recovering at home.

Louise said: “The team on the children’s ward who looked after Charlie were amazing and treated us with respect, truth and consideration. The least I can do is give something back, so I am running the virtual London Marathon tomorrow. I often run with Charlie in his buggy, I know that every penny raised will make a difference to children’s lives across Devon.

“If you can spare a few pennies, please support the starfish appeal. Every child deserves a friendly, colourful place to visit that makes them feel safe, welcome, and want to smile.”

Ian Roome, Head of Fundraising at the RD and E Charity, said: “Thank you so much to Louise and everyone who has donated to her fundraiser so far. Every donation will really help to make a difference to children who use our services at the RD and E.”

To support Louise’s challenge, please visit: https://rdecharity.enthuse.com/pf/louise-lyle-f48a3 .