Date published: 22 April 2016 by Jessica Homer

Sal Rotondetto from Nether Wallop, Hampshire is taking part in the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 24 April to raise money for Rainbow Trust. For a number of years Sal’s family has received Rainbow Trust’s support caring for their seriously ill daughter Sofia.

As a paediatrician Sal, 54, is used to helping seriously ill children but he never expected to be caring for his own child. Sal’s eight year old daughter was diagnosed with a severe form of cystic fibrosis when she was just two years old. Since then Rainbow Trust has been supporting Sal by providing emotional and practical support to the whole family.

Now Sal has decided he wants to give something back and raise funds for the charity that has helped his family for so many years.

Sal said,

“As a paediatrician and a father I have witnessed the incredible and invaluable input Rainbow Trust offers to families with otherwise no other option of community support. We have received great support from our Rainbow Trust Family Support Worker who has given Sofia and our family much needed help with practical chores and emotional support.”

Talking about how he will feel crossing the finishing line on Sunday Sal said, “I always thought that running marathons is a metaphor for life. I have learned that we all have great reserves to dig deep into, if we just trust that we have what it takes when life throws to all of us our share of challenges. Passing the finishing line will give me the renewed confidence to overcome them with help and encouragement from all the people standing on the sidelines.”

Emma Haines, Director of Marketing and Fundraising at Rainbow Trust says:

“We are thrilled Sal has chosen to take on this marathon challenge for Rainbow Trust. It’s all down to the hard work and generosity of our runners that we’re able to raise vital funds from key sporting events like the London Marathon. We wish Sal the very best of luck and our supporters will be cheering loudly for him on the day.”

Sal is hoping to raise £2,000 which is enough for Rainbow Trust to provide a whole year’s support for a family with a terminally ill child. To sponsor Sal visit his fundraising page.