A charitable treadmill endurance event spanning eight hours will be staged in remembrance of a young boy who died after battling a rare medical condition.
The fundraising activity is scheduled to occur at Westgate Shopping Centre in Oxford on September 5, with proceeds directed toward Helen and Douglas House, the children’s hospice that provided end-of-life support for Bobby Marriott.
Six individuals from the Marriott Family Oxford Half running group will alternate on the treadmills throughout the day.
The team comprises Bobby’s parents Faith and Calum alongside companions Helen, Duncan, Molly, and Jake, all united in their mission to generate both financial support and awareness for the hospice charity.
At the age of 22 months, Bobby received a diagnosis of RAG1 Severe Combined Immune Deficiency, an uncommon hereditary condition that severely compromised his immune system and prevented him from resisting an infection that ultimately spread to his brain.
Despite undergoing extensive medical intervention including a bone marrow transplant, his health continued to deteriorate, leading to his referral to Helen and Douglas House for specialised palliative care.
Faith, Bobby’s mother, described the impact of the hospice services, stating that the support provided to their family, both during Bobby’s illness and continuing to the present day, cannot be adequately quantified.
She explained that medical professionals including nurses and doctors were available to address Bobby’s clinical requirements, while additional staff members offered comprehensive support to the entire family.
With Bobby’s prolonged illness coinciding with her pregnancy and the arrival of a new baby, the family struggled to manage daily life, yet the hospice environment provided recognition and care for all of them.
She noted that assistance would remain accessible through a simple telephone call whenever needed.
The family members are currently preparing to compete in this year’s Oxford Half Marathon, with their fundraising efforts designed to ensure other families can access comparable services and support.
Helen and Douglas House serves as the principal charitable partner for the Oxford Half Marathon this year and has assembled a contingent exceeding 300 participants, with a fundraising target of 200,000 pounds intended to finance a hospice bed for a full year.
Calum, Bobby’s father, expressed his expectation that during the race itself, Bobby’s presence would be felt alongside the family.
The endeavour is being undertaken as a tribute to their son, and the company of individuals who have also benefited from Helen and Douglas House services will provide comfort and a sense of connection to Bobby.
The treadmill challenge will operate between 10am and 6pm, featuring entertainment options such as games, creative activities, and colouring stations for younger visitors, alongside facilities for writing supportive messages for Oxford Half Marathon participants.
Elle Parker from Helen and Douglas House commented that Bobby’s experience serves as a meaningful illustration of the hospice’s fundamental purpose, and the organisation extends sincere appreciation to Faith, Calum, and all individuals contributing to this challenge.