Swanton Care & Community is proud to support Andrew Steel, Senior Estates Manager, as he prepares to take on The Wall Ultra Marathon — a demanding 70-mile endurance run from Carlisle to Newcastle — to raise awareness and funds for Societi, the UK’s Kawasaki Disease charity.
Andrew was inspired to take on the challenge following his family’s experience when his son, Christian, became seriously unwell at just eight months old. Although Kawasaki Disease is often assumed to be rare, this is increasingly believed not to be the case — instead, it is frequently misdiagnosed. The condition is serious and primarily affects babies and young children, causing inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body. It can impact the coronary arteries and the heart, and without early diagnosis and treatment, it can lead to long‑term heart complications.
At the time, Andrew and his wife Lauren were unaware that Christian’s symptoms were linked to Kawasaki Disease, and they made several visits to their GP and local hospital seeking answers.
“Christian had what we now know to be the classic symptoms, but at the time we simply weren’t aware of the condition,” Andrew said. “We made multiple trips to our GP and A&E. At one point, we were told he was simply a little unwell, but we knew something wasn’t right and that he wasn’t improving.”
Christian was eventually diagnosed by their GP and immediately received specialist care at Rotherham Hospital. After a week of treatment, he was transferred by ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary, where he underwent a procedure to drain fluid from around his heart.
“We are incredibly grateful for the care he received and that he made a full recovery,” Andrew said. “Time is absolutely key with Kawasaki Disease. The longer it is left, the more potential damage is caused to the heart.”
Andrew is now using every opportunity he can to raise awareness of the condition and support the vital work of Societi, as he continues to campaign to improve understanding and help other families affected by Kawasaki Disease.
Andrew previously completed the London Marathon in 2024 in support of Societi, raising funds and awareness for the charity. His experience inspired him to continue fundraising and take on an even greater challenge this year.
“Kawasaki Disease is not widely known, and early diagnosis is essential,” he said. “If raising awareness helps even one family recognise the signs and seek medical advice sooner, it could make a huge difference.”
Preparing for one of the UK’s toughest endurance events
The Wall Ultra Marathon is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most challenging endurance events. Covering 70 miles along Hadrian’s Wall, the route includes steep hills, difficult terrain, and strict kit requirements, with runners carrying essential equipment throughout. Participants have just 26 hours to complete the course.
“I’ve been following a structured 22-week training programme, gradually building my endurance through long-distance runs, hill training, and strength and stability work,” Andrew said. “Each week increases in distance, and at its peak I’ll be running up to 35 miles in full kit to prepare for the demands of the event.”
He added, “Balancing training with work and family life has taken careful planning. A lot of my runs are early in the morning before the house is awake or later in the evening, with longer runs at weekends. It’s a big commitment, but it’s worth it to support such an important cause.”
“My wife Lauren has been incredibly supportive, and she’s also training for the London Marathon herself, which has been a great motivator,” Andrew said. “Having that shared understanding of the commitment involved has made a big difference.”
Andrew was also inspired to take on The Wall Ultra Marathon after seeing colleague Neil Farnworth complete the challenge.
“Neil’s experience really inspired me,” Andrew said. “He’s been a huge support and has shared advice, training insights, and what to expect. Hearing about the realities of the event helped me prepare both physically and mentally.”
Despite the challenge ahead, Andrew remains focused on his goal.
“The main aim is to finish and raise as much awareness and support for Societi as possible. It’s a huge physical and mental challenge, but knowing why I’m doing it keeps me motivated.”
His determination has been supported by family, friends, and colleagues — although his mum has mixed feelings! “My mum really doesn’t want me to do it,” Andrew laughed. “But she knows just how important it is to us all and why I’m doing it.”
Supporting vital awareness and research
Societi plays a crucial role in supporting families affected by Kawasaki Disease, as well as funding research and improving awareness among healthcare professionals.
Andrew hopes his fundraising will help support these efforts.
“The charity does incredible work, and the funding helps raise awareness and improve early diagnosis. If greater awareness protects even one child’s heart, it makes every step worthwhile.”
Swanton Care & Community is proud to sponsor Andrew’s fundraising and support his efforts to raise awareness.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have Swanton’s support,” Andrew said. “It’s fantastic to work for an organisation that gets behind its staff and helps raise awareness by sharing stories like mine. The sponsorship will help fund awareness materials, and if even one of those reaches someone who recognises the signs, the impact could be immeasurable.”
Andrew has also been overwhelmed by the support he has received so far.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for their support and donations,” he said. “Knowing that people believe in the cause and are backing me to complete this challenge means a great deal.”
Swanton Care & Community is proud to sponsor Andrew’s fundraising and support his efforts to raise awareness for this important cause.
To find out more about Andrew’s challenge or support his fundraising for Societi, visit his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/andrew-steel-running
Follow Andrew's progress on Instagram at andrew.steel.running
