To raise funds for Brooke's Dream, Ian McFarlane will undertake 4 half marathons in 4 weeks.  The challenge will commence with a half marathon run on the 9th October, followed by the Aviemore half marathon on the 16th October, followed by another half marathon run on the 23rd October and will culminate in completion of the Jedburgh half marathon on the 30th October.  Ian has not ran since April this year and will commence his training on Monday 22nd August.  












Update: Ian successfully completed the 4 half marathons in 4 weeks and picked up a few blisters and some happy memories along the way. With the help of generous friends, family, clients and associates we have managed to raise a fantastic £1,320. Many thanks to everyone who assisted with the runs and also who generously donated their time and money.

There is still so much fundraising to do. Please take a moment to read Brooke's story below:

About Brooke's Dream:
Brooke Ramsay is a 7 year old twin who was born 3 months prematurely.  Brooke survived early birth complications such as pneumonia, chronic lung disease and brain bleeds and came home after 13 weeks in hospital.  She was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 2 yrs.  Cerebral Palsy is a condition which takes different forms and effects every individual differently. Brooke has been diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia. Her muscles in both legs are extremely tight which causes her to walk on her tip-toes. As a result her balance is poor and she is prone to falling.

Since the age of 2, Brooke has worn splints to aid her walking. A daily physio exercise is undertaken as... well as sessions with Child Physiotherapists from 'Armistead' child development centre in Dundee.  Brooke's muscle and bone growth rate are different, therefore sometimes her walking and balance is worse than at other times. Illness, even a common cold, can adversely effect her walking and balance.  There is no way to predict how the condition will effect her as she grows.

Brooke lives in Carnoustie with mum, dad, twin sister Amy, and little brother Ben. Her siblings are not effected by this condition.  Brooke is a very bright young girl but her self confidence has suffered as a result of being unable to paticipate in the normal physical activities of a 7 year old.  Botox treatment and other medicines can be given, however this is merely a temporary solution and does not work on every occasion. Brooke had her first Botox Treatment on 11th July 2011. She spent 3 weeks in casts and will now undergo increased physio to try and maintain a better level of flexibility.

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) is a procedure which permanently eliminates high muscle tone by cutting damaged nerves in the spine leaving the healthy ones to send the right signals to the brain.  SDR surgery will give her the opportunity to walk on her flat feet. Her balance and co-ordination will be so much better and she would be able to take part in most if not all activities as her sister and friends do.  Until recently, this procedure was only carried out at St Louis Hospital, Missouri, US, by Dr T S Park. He has worked in this field for over 20 years with a 100% success rate. At the moment, the cost of surgery in America is approximately £40,000 sterling per patient. This does not cover the intensive physio which is necessary afterwards.

Very recently, the surgery has been carried out at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, by Dr Aquilina for children over 6 years old. Dr Aquilina worked with Dr Park in America and studied his techniques. The cost for the procedure in Bristol has been set by the hospital at around £24,000 sterling. This figure includes 3 weeks post-operative care with physio afterwards, however this is only the start of the aftercare required.  This surgery is recognised as 'the way forward' by the UK's National Institute for Clinincal Excellence (NICE).

We are raising funds to allow Brooke the opportunity to undergo this life changing surgery.  What we take for granted is now a possibility for this little girl.

Visit Brooke's Dream facebook page :  

Please help us raise the funds required to make Brooke's Dream a reality.  

Please pledge below and we shall email you details of how you can make payment.  Thank you for your support.