TCS London Marathon 2022 – we’re cheering on Brad

For the second year running we are so thrilled that we have a dedicated participant in this year’s TCS London Marathon which is taking place on Sunday 2nd October. Brad Curnick shares his story and why he’s fundraising for Children’s Burns Trust.

This is my story about my step-son Ethan and how I became aware of the Children’s Burn Trust and why I wanted to run the London Marathon for them.

I was sat at work on 11^th December 2019, when my partner Kasia called. I immediately sensed something was wrong. She explained her son Ethan (aged 7 at the time), had been involved in an accident at school and was being taken by Air Ambulance to Broomfield hospital in Chelmsford. I made my way to the hospital and when I arrived I found Ethan sedated and his body covered in bandages.

Ethan had been taking part in his school’s Christmas nativity play at the local church and was dressed as a sheep in a home-made cotton wool outfit. Whilst waiting to go on the stage, a boy holding a candle stood behind Ethan, tripped and fell into him, causing his costume to catch fire.

Ethan sustained second and third degree burns to 45% of his body. He remained in hospital for several weeks undergoing various treatment and skin graft operations.

I was immediately aware of the life changing impact this would have on us, Ethan and his family. I began researching and reading about child burn injuries, finding numerous heart breaking stories.

This is where I found the Children’s Burn Trust Charity and was really impressed by the work they do to support families who have experienced these terrible accidents and to deliver education material to try and prevent further incidents. Knowing first- hand the financial cost occurred with this type of injury (including, hospital visits, skin care, physio, specialist clothing), it can be an added burden for families, which the CBT seek to ease.

A small charity relying solely on donations, I looked at ways I could help. Inspired by Dean Choules who ran the London Marathon last year, raising money for the charity, I contacted them asking if I could run for them this year. They managed to secure me a place and I hope to raise as much as I can. And finish the 26.2 miles. (not scared at all).

Brad’s sponsorship page is here: https://tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/bradley-curnick/post/1462652

Brad’s training progress can be followed on Strava here.

Brad can be followed on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bradleycurn/