George takes on the London Marathon for SNAPS
This April, one of our brilliant SNAPS dads, George Chilcott, will be taking on the London Marathon to raise funds for SNAPS.
George is running in honour of his daughter Olive, who is eight years old and has quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Olive can’t sit, walk or talk, and is fed through a gastrostomy tube. She lives at home with George, her mum, and her two younger sisters, Etta (6) and Rose (2).
We’ve supported Olive and her family since she was a baby, and over the years we’ve seen just how much she lights up at SNAPS. Despite the daily challenges she faces, Olive is full of personality and is often described by her family as cheeky. She especially loves being in the water.
For the last seven years, Olive has attended hydrotherapy sessions with us, and the impact has been incredible. Hydrotherapy is Olive’s favourite part of the week. Seeing her splash, kick and enjoy that sense of freedom brings so much joy, not just to Olive, but to her whole family.
At SNAPS, we support children with additional needs and their families through a wide range of therapies and inclusive activities. Around 100 families come through our doors every week, and many describe SNAPS as a lifeline.
SNAPS doesn’t receive statutory funding to deliver its services, so we rely on the generosity of supporters to keep our doors open and continue supporting families across Leeds.
George has a clear goal in mind: he’s aiming to raise £6,236, which is enough to fund a full week of SNAPS services. So far, he’s already raised over £3,000, with amazing support from family, friends and the local community.
George has shared that while the London Marathon will be tough, it feels like a small challenge compared to what families like his face every day. Running is his way of giving something back to the charity that has been there for Olive and for their family over many years.
We are incredibly thankful to George for his commitment, determination and support. We’ll be cheering him on every step of the way.
We’ve been really touched by the response to George’s story, which has also been shared by Leeds Live and the Yorkshire Evening Post.
How you can support George
If you’d like to support George’s London Marathon run and help us continue supporting children like Olive and their families, you can donate at George’s Enthuse page.
