2,021 miles in 2021
Martin Abrahams from Thornbury is taking on a year-long challenge to mark the 30th anniversary of Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).
Martin and his family are supported by CHSW’s Charlton Farm hospice and have been since their youngest daughter, Jessica, died in January 2017, aged 6. 
Martin said: “The care and compassion we experienced during the worst time in our lives was priceless. Jessica lost a long battle with leukaemia and Charlton Farm was there for my wife, Melissa, our eldest daughter, Zoe and myself.”
Charlton Farm, located in North Somerset, offers respite, palliative, end of life, and bereavement care to families as well as friendship and support to more than 200 children with life-limiting conditions and their families from across Bristol, Bath and Somerset. It has adapted its care during the pandemic to ensure Covid-safe care wherever and whenever families need it, including for the first time ever, in families’ own homes.
The care and compassion we experienced during the worst time in our lives was priceless. Jessica lost a long battle with leukaemia and Charlton Farm was there for my wife, Melissa, our eldest daughter, Zoe and myself
Martin said: “We wish we could have found Charlton Farm whilst Jess was still with us, but we didn’t know what great work they did until afterwards. Seeing the support they offer to families who are, on a daily basis, fighting so much harder than most others to achieve some sense of normality, is inspiring.”
This year CHSW is celebrating 30 years since it was founded by Jill and Eddie Farwell. Martin is recognising this milestone by challenging himself to fundraise for the entire year.
He said: “I ran the London Marathon, my only marathon, for CHSW in April 2019, having borrowed the ‘Shoeperman’ costume to run in. This year is different, so my challenge is different. This year I am aiming to cover 2021 miles. 
“I’m allowing myself to use a number of methods to get there - walking, running, rowing and cycling. I have been prone to injuries in the past so I’m keeping my options open! It’s going to be a challenging year but hopefully a successful one on all fronts.”
If you’d like to keep track of Martin’s progress, or donate in support of his efforts, visit his fundraising page