Rob Kleinberg aims to complete the 155km fundraiser by the 31st December as well as completing 100 press-ups a day. His son Jack, 10, will be completing 5K a week and 10 press-ups alongside him all in support of Little Havens, the local children’s hospice based in Thundersley.
Rob and Jack wanted to set themselves a challenge to recognise and raise money for the charity ‘…that has done so much for them and so many others in their community, during the most difficult times.’
Jack was born with two rare and life-limiting conditions, which adversely affect Jack’s quality of life on a daily basis.
He has endured bone marrow transplants, and numerous painful procedures and continues to receive daily injections, weekly transfusions, multiple trial treatments, and therapies to help combat various forms of inflammatory pain.
Little Havens provides vital specialist support to Jack and his family to help manage the daily challenges they face. This includes respite, creative therapy, counselling as well as access to the hospice’s hydrotherapy pool and the beautiful gardens.
Rob said, “Jack and I have never been runners, however, we wanted to do something to give back to the charity and recognise the amazing work they do. This will be incredibly difficult at various points for Jack and will no doubt also cause me some form of physical discomfort but my momentary discomfort will bear very little, if any, semblance to the amount of physical and psychological discomfort endured by Jack, children like Jack, and the patients and families under the care of Little Havens.
“We’ll cut no corners, no matter what challenges the month brings and Jack is very ready and excited to raise money for a cause so close to his heart.
“Little Havens, its staff and volunteers provide amazing care and support to families just like ours free of charge all year round and they need our help to ensure they continue to be there for more local families.”
Rob and Jack have already raised over £2,000 in sponsorship kindly donated by family, friends, and members of the community, smashing their original target of £1,000. Rob continued, “We can’t thank everyone enough so far for their generous donations. Jack was so happy and emotional when we surpassed £1,000 – it means the world to us and is so motivating.”
The father and son duo will also be throwing their support behind the charity’s Festive Fun Day event where they will take on the all-important job of starting the Santa fun run as well as participating in the race at Wat Tyler Park on Sunday 3rd December.
To support Rob and Jack with a donation, please visit their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/rob-kleinberg-1699453329689
Published 28th November 2023