For the specialist additive company’s Managing Director, Paul Derham, the sponsorship carried a deeply personal meaning. Evie is Paul’s daughter, and her son Hunter, Paul’s grandson, lives with immune system complications which have resulted in repeated infections, hospital stays and ongoing treatment.
Commenting on the company’s support, Paul said: “As a business, we are always proud to support good causes, but this one was incredibly close to home. Evie is my daughter and Hunter is my grandson, or as he knows me, Pops.
“Watching your child cope with the worry, pressure and emotional strain of seeing their own child unwell is incredibly tough. Hunter has been through more than any little boy should have to, and as a parent and grandparent it is very hard to stand by and watch. You want to fix it, protect them and take the worry away, but sometimes all you can do is support, love them and help raise awareness.
“We are incredibly proud of Evie for completing the 5K and for using the event to support Immunodeficiency UK. Charities like this do vital work for families living with conditions that are still not widely known or properly understood.”
Making a difference
Immunodeficiency UK supports individuals and families affected by primary and secondary immunodeficiency, providing information, advice and support while also working to improve awareness and understanding of these often complex conditions.
Paul added: “For many families, the support and understanding provided by Immunodeficiency UK can make a huge difference. These are conditions many people have never heard of until they affect someone they love, and the charity gives families somewhere to turn.
“FAST was honoured to play a small part in supporting Evie’s challenge. We are very proud of what she achieved and grateful for the continued work Immunodeficiency UK does for families like ours.”
The event, held at Windsor Great Park last Sunday, formed part of Parallel Windsor’s Festival of Inclusivity, which brings people of all ages, health conditions and abilities together through a range of accessible challenge events.
Images provided by FAST