London Virgin Marathon 2021 – introducing our star fundraiser

This year’s Virgin London Marathon is taking place on Sunday 3rd October and we are so excited to have the support of star fundraiser Dean Choules who is running and aiming to raise more than £2,000 for The Children’s Burns Trust.

Over the coming months, we are going to be keeping in touch with Dean about his training progress and fundraising activity, and wanted to introduce him to our followers and supporters by asking him a few questions.

Dean, what is your family’s personal story?

My family and I know first-hand how devastating burn injuries can be and not only to the injured person. This year marks 10 years since my Dad was involved in a near fatal accident at work that left him with 45% burns to recover from.

These types of injuries can deeply affect the whole family unit. When I think back to those days, we were lucky to have a huge support network of friends, family and medical staff. My dad was treated at the burns unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and the support he received there was incredible. He was in hospital for many weeks, and once he was discharged he went on to return as an outpatient for further treatment for many years.

What made you want to fundraise for the Children’s Burns Trust?

I remember visiting my dad in hospital and seeing all of the different age groups who are impacted by burns and scalds, and the families there with their children really stuck in my mind. When a child becomes a burns injury survivor, it is not just the body that has to heal, the mental health of both children and parents becomes paramount.  When I looked into the support that the Children’s Burns Trust offers parents and carers of children whose lives have been affected by burns injuries, I knew this was a charity I’d like to support.

Why the London Marathon?

I feel so privileged to be running in this amazing event for the Children’s Burns Trust, especially as the charity is only granted one place every 5 years! On the 3rd October 2021, I hope by then to have achieved my goal of raising over £2,000, raised to keep supporting families who need it at the most challenging of times.

How can people support you?

Any amount donated is gratefully received and comes with a huge personal thank you from myself and my family – as well as the team at the Children’s Burns Trust.

Visit Dean’s fundraising page here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DeanChoules1