Charity event to remember fun-loving four-year-old (From Your Local Guardian)

Charity event to remember fun-loving four-year-old

1:00pm Saturday 18th August 2012 in Epsom By Hardeep Matharu

The parents of a fun-loving four-year-old who spent his life being treated for complex health needs have organised a commemorative event in his memory.

Tim and Christa Tuohy, of Sandlands Road in Walton-on-the-Hill, will be holding the 10k jog to raise money for The Children’s Trust, in Tadworth, where their son Justin, who died in 2007, spent the last two years of his life.

Justin was born with kidney failure and relied on dialysis to stay alive, but had a kidney transplant aged two when it was discovered that his dad was a compatible match.

Soon after, Justin had a fit due a medical condition, called water on the brain, and had to have a tracheotomy tube fitted in his throat to enable him to breathe. 

After spending the next year at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital, the youngster arrived at The Children’s Trust - where he received therapies to help him speak, crawl and enjoy life again.

Mrs Tuohy said Justin’s time at the trust was the best of his life. The 41-year-old said: "He had spent so much of his life in hospital surrounded by machines - this was freedom for him.

"Everyone at the Trust saw Justin’s potential and they were determined to give him the chance to make choices and give him some independence. This is what made Justin so happy.

"They treated him just like any little boy.

"Even though his life was short, through The Children’s Trust, Justin was able to live it to the full.  No one ever treated Justin like he was going to die."

Anyone can register to jog, run, or walk the route across Epsom Downs, starting at 4pm from The Fox and Hounds, Walton-on-the-Hill. 

Registration is £15 which includes a hog roast and family entertainment. To register call 01737 557661 or visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/justinsjog