Skirlaugh Auntie Prepares for London Marathon to Support Sick Children's Trust
Ruth Watkins, an auntie from Skirlaugh near Hull, is gearing up to run the London Marathon this April in a heartfelt effort to raise funds for The Sick Children's Trust. This charity provided crucial support to her sister-in-law's family as they navigated the challenges of two rare diagnoses affecting their twin sons.
Family's Journey with Moyamoya Disease
The twin boys, Riley and Noah Watkins, now 14 years old, were both diagnosed with moyamoya disease, a rare condition where arteries supplying blood to the brain become narrowed or blocked. Their diagnoses came years apart, plunging the family into two emotionally taxing journeys. Ruth expressed her motivation, stating, "On the day, I'll be thinking about Riley and Noah, how strong they've both been and all the other families The Sick Children's Trust has supported. What I'm doing is nothing compared to what they've been through."
Critical Support from Eckersley House
In 2017, five-year-old Riley suddenly collapsed at home, leading to a diagnosis of moyamoya disease and necessitating complex brain surgery at Leeds General Infirmary. During this time, the family discovered Eckersley House, a 'Home from Home' run by The Sick Children's Trust, located just minutes from the hospital. Wendy Watkins, the boys' mother, shared, "We had no idea somewhere like Eckersley House existed until the hospital told us about it. When we got a room, it was such a relief. It was clean, calm and so close to Riley, allowing our family to stay together during his recovery."
Riley underwent a second surgery later that year, with Eckersley House offering continued support. Then, in January 2025, history repeated itself when Noah exhibited similar symptoms and was also diagnosed with moyamoya disease. He underwent two major operations in April and May 2025, with the family once again relying on Eckersley House. Wendy added, "This time it really felt like coming home. It gave us somewhere to rest and be together during some of the hardest moments of our lives."
Ruth's Marathon Challenge and Fundraising Efforts
Inspired by the charity's unwavering support, Ruth signed up for the London Marathon to give back. She previously completed the marathon in 2023 and is tackling it again alongside her husband Gareth, who has helped her raise an impressive £2,650 ahead of race day. Ruth balances training with full-time work, driven by the cause. She said, "It's such an incredible experience and even more special knowing why I'm running. The support from Eckersley House made such a difference, allowing the family to focus on being there for each other."
Charity's Gratitude and Impact
Jane McHale, house manager at Eckersley House, extended best wishes to Ruth, noting, "Everyone here at Eckersley House wishes Ruth the very best of luck with her London Marathon challenge. We'll never forget Wendy and her wonderful family and are proud that we could support them throughout those unimaginably difficult times. It is amazing that people do these incredible challenges for us, especially as it costs the charity £40 to support a family for one night and we rely entirely on donations."
The Sick Children's Trust relies on donations to provide essential 'Homes from Home' for families during medical crises, highlighting the importance of community support and fundraising efforts like Ruth's marathon run.
