Two determined runners have completed the Andover Half Marathon to help raise funds for a young girl living with a rare genetic condition, as a community fundraising campaign reaches £2,665 towards its £4,509 target.
Trena and Thomas Huggins took on the 13.1-mile challenge on Sunday 25 October, raising money for Ren, the daughter of their friend Shelley Jaynes, who urgently needs a specialist buggy to support her growing needs.
The pair joined runners at the Andover Half Marathon with a goal that went far beyond crossing the finish line, hoping to make a life-changing difference for a little girl and her family.
Ren was born with Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental syndrome (OCNDS), a rare genetic disorder caused by changes in the CSNK2A1 gene.
The condition can cause a range of developmental challenges, including delays in reaching milestones, speech and language difficulties, intellectual disabilities, low muscle tone, feeding difficulties and problems with sight and hearing.
Despite the challenges she faces, Ren loves spending time outdoors and exploring the world around her. However, as she grows, her current buggy is no longer suitable for her needs, making everyday outings increasingly difficult.
Her family and supporters are working to raise £4,509 towards a specialist Kimba Neo buggy, designed to provide the additional support, comfort and safety Ren requires.
Thanks to a series of fundraising efforts and the generosity of friends, family and the wider community, the overall fundraising campaign has raised £2,665 to date, leaving £1,844 still needed to reach the target.
Running for a Reason
For Trena, taking part in the Andover Half Marathon was another milestone in her running journey, but this time the motivation was particularly personal.
Having only started running seriously just over a year ago, she has already demonstrated remarkable determination, completing a gruelling 50km ultramarathon in July.
Taking on her local half marathon provided another opportunity to put that determination towards a cause close to her heart.
Alongside Thomas, she decided to use the event to raise awareness of Ren’s condition and encourage people across Andover to support the fundraising campaign.
Their efforts are part of a much wider community push to help Ren and her family access the essential equipment she needs.
Community Rallies Behind Ren
The half marathon is just one part of the fundraising campaign, with members of the community already coming together to show their support.
A recent silent auction, hosted by Nicky and Sean, raised more than £1,000 towards the appeal.
The event saw people donate items, place bids and contribute generously, demonstrating the strength of support surrounding Ren and her family.
Organisers expressed their gratitude to everyone who attended, donated prizes or purchased items, helping to make the evening such a success.
Combined with other donations and fundraising activities, the campaign has now reached £2,665, more than halfway towards the £4,509 needed.
A Buggy That Could Make a World of Difference
For many families, heading out for a walk or enjoying a day outdoors is something easily taken for granted. For Ren and her family, having the right specialist equipment is essential.
The Kimba Neo buggy is designed for children who require additional physical support, offering adjustable positioning and features intended to provide greater stability, comfort and safety.
The equipment would allow Ren to continue enjoying family outings, trips to the park and time outdoors without the difficulties caused by her current buggy no longer meeting her needs.
However, specialist medical equipment comes at a considerable cost, and the £4,509 price tag represents a significant financial challenge for the family.
Those behind the fundraising campaign hope that, with continued support from the local community, Ren will soon have a buggy that properly accommodates her needs and allows her to enjoy the activities she loves.
Can Andover Help Raise the Final £1,844?
With £2,665 raised so far across the entire fundraising campaign, Ren’s family and supporters are now appealing to the people of Andover and the surrounding villages to help them reach their target.
Just £1,844 remains to be raised, and every donation, whether £5, £10 or more, could help make a real difference.
Local residents, businesses and community groups are being encouraged to get behind the appeal, donate what they can and share Ren’s story to help spread the word.
The fundraising campaign has already demonstrated the incredible kindness of those supporting Ren, from the generosity shown at the silent auction to Trena and Thomas taking on the Andover Half Marathon.
Now, supporters hope one final community push will help secure the specialist buggy Ren so desperately needs.
Anyone wishing to support Ren can donate through the family’s JustGiving fundraising page. Every pound donated will bring the family closer to their £4,509 target and help ensure Ren can continue exploring the world around her safely and comfortably.
For Trena, Thomas and everyone involved, the campaign is about much more than raising money. It is about giving a young girl the freedom to enjoy the outdoors, make memories with her family and experience the everyday adventures that every child deserves.
Andover has already helped raise £2,665. Now the community is being asked to come together once more and help Ren reach her fundraising goal.
Thank you for such an amazing write up and sharing how disabled accessible buggies really can help transform people’s lives. Xxxx