A Pinner man is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for a children’s charity by entering the festive spirit next month.
Tony Gardiner (29) a technician at Citygate Volkswagen in Ruislip, will run in the 5k Santa Fun Run held in London’s Greenwich Park on Sunday 4th December, to generate funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
The hospital is very close to Tony’s heart after his nephew, Daniel Pearce, was admitted there to receive treatment for Saggital Synostasis.
This condition meant that the plates in his head fused together too early and led to an odd shape. This would have become more pronounced as Daniel got older, so he was referred to the Craniofacial Unit at the hospital.
Daniel had two major operations on his head at three and six months to insert and then remove springs, which separated the plates, allowing normal development.
Tony will dress as Santa to raise money for the craniofacial team at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Tony said: “The team at Great Ormond Street Hospital provided great care and support to not only Daniel but my brother in-law and sister, and completing the run is my way of saying thank you.
“The team there is truly fantastic and I’m hoping to raise as much money as possible. My colleagues at Citygate Volkswagen have been very supportive and are sponsoring me to do the race.”
Brand manager at Citygate Volkswagen, Richard Eagell added: “Tony has often told us about the fantastic work Great Ormond Street Hospital have done and continue to do for his nephew so we’re pleased to help in a small way by sponsoring him.”
Anyone will to sponsor Tony can speak to him at Citygate Volkswagen Ruislip on Victoria Road or visit the Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/danclanrun