Running Three Marathons for the Charity that Changed Family’s Life
In 2027, Liam Ebbs, 34 from Totton, will be taking on an extraordinary challenge: to complete three marathons on three consecutive Sundays, in Southampton, Manchester and finishing with the London Marathon
The reason behind the challenge is simple:
“I want to do this just to give back to a charity that we wouldn’t manage without, and that my brother-in-law, Dan, simply wouldn’t be as happy without.”
Liam, now 34, was a teenager when he first met Dan, now 21, having first met Dan's sister when he was 16. Liam says he sees him as a brother as they have "grown up together".
Dan has needed the support of his family throughout his life.
Carrie explains, “When Dan was born, he didn’t meet his milestones and mum knew something wasn’t right”.
After a long journey with numerous doctors, Dan was eventually diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, GDD, which only 9 others in the world have been diagnosed with. He is non-verbal, has learning difficulties, he is PEG-fed, needs to use a wheelchair to get around, and requires medication to help him sleep.
Yet his family and those who know him would best describe him not by his diagnosis, but by his personality.
“He’s got so much energy. He’s very smiley, he’s got a wicked sense of humour and he loves being around people. He also has no fear. He’ll want to try anything.”
Liam and Carrie have always helped to support Dan whenever they can, especially as Carrie’s mum, Caroline, faces health challenges. But they are also raising two young children of their own.
Liam says “It’s just not possible to juggle everything and give Dan everything he needs by ourselves.”
Dan attended Rose Road’s Holiday Clubs for many years as a child, but crunch time came in 2019 Dan was leaving school.
Carrie says, “Mum doesn’t trust anyone and wants the best for Dan. When he left school, we were really concerned about what help we’d have. Then we were introduced to Rose Road’s Destinations day service and immediately it just felt right and safe. They staff made us feel welcome and genuinely cared about us”.
For Dan and his family, the impact has been life changing.
Carrie explains, “Dan has loads of energy! He loves to be active and outdoors. And with Rose Road he can be out exploring the New Forest, swimming, cycling with Cycles4All, going for drives or taking part in new experiences - he’s just out in the world enjoying life”. He knows his routine. He waits by the door as if to say, ‘I’m ready to go’, and more often than not he’s not ready to come back home again!”
Liam adds, "These experiences give Dan that vital independence as a young man. He gets to live his own life with friends. He’d be stuck at home a lot more and we’d struggle massively by ourselves and Dan’s world would be much smaller”.
That’s why Rose Road has become such an important part of the family’s support network. And why Liam is preparing for the challenge of three consecutive marathons.
Support Liam's Challenge
“I’m a runner, but it will be tough being three consecutive Sundays. But Rose Road has made such a difference to Dan’s life and to all of us in the family. We simply wouldn’t manage without them, so I want to raise money to help ensure Rose Road can keep doing what they do, for our family and so many others."
