A FIRST-TIME marathon runner is lacing up to say thank you to a cause which has ‘changed her family’s life’ after eight years of care.

Chloe Spencer-Ades, from Pangbourne, is running the London Marathon on April 21 for Helen & Douglas House because of the care they have given her family over the years.

Chloe’s sister Lotte, now 26 years old, came to Helen & Douglas House for respite care over eight years ago. Lotte has Lennox Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) which means she has frequent seizures - sometimes up to 30+ a day.

Chloe said: “My beautiful older sister, Charlotte, developed this condition when she was just age four and a half. The doctors said it was childhood epilepsy and that she would grow out of it.

“Unfortunately, Lotte got progressively more ill and the doctors didn’t know why. There is no real known cause of LGS, which has been and still is a very hard pill to swallow. Not knowing why my gorgeous sister was a hyper-intelligent, bright, bubbly four year old who one day started having seizures that got worse and worse is heart breaking.”

Lotte requires care 24/7 and spent a lot of her childhood in and out of hospital. Lotte and Chloe’s mum is the main carer in the family with help from the five siblings also.

Chloe added: “Lotte is now 26 and has the most beautiful, brightest, yet sassiest soul and lives life dancing along to Disney songs with a huge smile on her face. She is incredible, the true light of my life. However, life has not been easy for her or for my family.”

Adding: “This is only a small insight into her life and there are plenty of good days too! Lotte is very creative and loves arts and crafts and playing with her teddies. Times can get very difficult for our family, especially when Lotte goes through rough patches, spending weeks in hospital multiple times a year.

“We were introduced to Helen & Douglas House many years ago, and our lives completely changed. They were there for our whole family when we needed support. Lotte was able to go and stay at the hospice in Oxford for respite, and we were even allowed to stay too.

“Lotte was cared for spectacularly well and she adored her time there. She got to do whatever she wanted whilst under excellent care. There was also a support group for siblings, which my sisters and I valued greatly. I cannot give enough thanks and appreciation for everything Helen & Douglas House has done for my family, and I know they help so many other families like mine too.”

Chloe will take on the London Marathon 2024 to raise awareness for Helen & Douglas House as her first marathon event.

The competitor adds: “My absolute motivation to do this marathon comes from my sister, who inspires me every day, but also raising money and awareness for Helen & Douglas House. They changed my family’s lives and I am eternally grateful for that.”

Julia Woodcock from Helen & Douglas House said: “I would like to thank Chloe for all she has done and is doing to fundraise for us – she is one amazing lady.”

To support Chloe and donate go to https://tinyurl.com/45b4uwd9