Swanton’s Andrew Steel will run the London Marathon in 2024 to raise vital funds for a little-known condition that put his young son in hospital.
Andrew, Swanton’s Regional Estates Manager for Yorkshire, East Riding and the North East, hopes to raise money and awareness for Kawasaki Disease after his family’s terrifying experience.
In August 2022, Andrew’s then eight-month-old son Christian fell ill with the condition but luckily received a quick diagnosis and got the urgent hospital treatment he needed.
Although Kawasaki Disease is more common than viral meningitis, it’s still a relatively unknown condition, and Andrew wants people – particularly the parents of young children – to learn more.
Andrew said: “What happened to our family was incredibly scary and traumatic, but thankfully Christian is on the mend, and the effects of his illness are limited.
“However, if Kawasaki Disease isn’t diagnosed and treated fast, it can cause complications and heart damage.
“This disease predominantly affects children under five years old, and I want to help spread the word to as many parents as possible so they know what to look out for.”
Andrew secured his place in the London Marathon via the public ballot and will be fundraising on behalf of charity Societi – The UK Foundation for Kawasaki Disease.
Swanton will donate to his fundraiser, and his colleagues will cheer Andrew on for the big race.
He added: “I’m hoping to raise lots of money for this fantastic cause on behalf of Christian and the other children affected by Kawasaki Disease.
“It will be a big challenge, but this cause is very close to my heart. I’m excited to make a meaningful contribution to the fight against this pernicious condition.”
If you’d like to donate to Andrew’s fundraiser, please visit his page here.
