London’s Anthony Topham, 47, is no average human: he is a bona fide good egg. On the 2nd October he will be putting himself through hell in order to raise money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, to say ‘thank you’ for helping his whole family over 40 years ago.
At 18 months old Anthony’s brother, Richard, contracted meningitis, leaving him severely disabled and requiring lifelong care. SSAFA stepped in and helped his family in their times of need and now he is committed to supporting the charity which supported them as a young family.
Anthony said: “SSAFA the Armed Forces charity were there to provide counselling and support for my Dad, a young airman, and my Mum, who left the RAF to raise us, during and after Richard’s time in hospital – he was deaf, dumb and blind for several months.
“SSAFA were there to provide legal advice when it was found that Richard was being physically abused at the specialist school he went to when he was a little older.
“SSAFA also provided legal advice when we discovered Richard’s condition was due partly to medical negligence.
“SSAFA were there to help fund a holiday and find respite for Richard, to give us all a break as a family.
“SSAFA helped raise funds for a specially adapted bike that we could attach Richard’s wheelchair to. This meant we could enjoy the outside together as a family.
“SSAFA helped pay for the necessary building and provision of specialist equipment when my parents were finally able to buy their own home.
“I know they do so much more. But this is what they did for my family.”
Anthony’s mum, dad and brother live in Boston and will be supporting him throughout the London Marathon.
Anthony, who is originally from Lincolnshire, but now lives in London, is currently in training for the event. He has previously run the New York Marathon and is looking to break his personal record. Help motivate him even more by donating at: https://tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/anthony-topham
SSAFA are a nationwide charity and rely on volunteers to raise funds and support families like Anthony’s. If you have some spare time and are interested in making a big difference in people’s lives, visit ssafa.org.uk/volunteer
