Dad runs first marathon to raise money for Evelina London

A South London dad is set to run his first ever marathon later this month in support of Evelina London Children’s Charity, to give back to the hospital and team that saved his son’s life.

Charlie King, 31, who lives with his family in Thamesmead, is running the London Marathon for the charity, who provide support and services to Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

Charlie’s son, Lennie, was saved by specialist teams at Evelina London in 2022. Lennie was just under a year old when he started becoming regularly sick, with their GP telling parents Charlie and Abbie that the illness was likely viral and would take care of itself. However, in November 2022 Lennie’s symptoms worsened, and he was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, initially for a chest infection.

Charlie said: “It was terrifying. We knew something was wrong, but no one could tell us what it was or what we could do to help him.”

Lennie’s condition continued to deteriorate over several days, and an X-ray revealed that his right lung was full of fluid and his left lung had entirely collapsed. The next day he was transferred to Evelina London Children’s Hospital by the South Thames Retrieval Service (STRS) for emergency treatment. He was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumonia and empyema (pus collection around the lung).

Charlie added: “From the moment he was transferred to Evelina London it was incredible. Within half an hour of the referral decision the STRS team were moving him to Evelina London, and they made Lennie, my wife and I feel cared for and listened to.”

Paediatric intensive care unit consultant, Dr Manal Alasnag, who was part of the team who treated Lennie, said: “Our main concern was getting the fluid out of Lennie’s lungs and fighting the infection to ensure that his illness didn’t get any worse. Cases like this can be really hard for children of that age, especially when looking at the potential long-term effects on breathing and lung capacity.” 

Lennie’s treatment included being placed on breathing support machines and having over a pint of fluid removed from his heavily damaged lungs. Charlie and Abbie stayed by Lennie’s side at Evelina London while he gradually recovered from the infections and procedures.

Finally, thanks to the support and care of the Evelina London team, Lennie was deemed well enough to go home, under regular monitoring and observation from the hospital.

Following Lennie’s return home, Charlie started thinking of ways he could thank the hospital who gave his family so much. Eventually he settled on the daunting task of running his first ever marathon – a challenge made even harder as Charlie’s job as an HGV fitter means long days on the road and unpredictable shift work.

Charlie said: “I have a few friends who have done the marathon before, and it just seemed like the best way to raise some money and give back to the hospital who saved our son’s life. It’s been a huge challenge getting ready and fitting training around my job, but I’m happy it’s for such a brilliant cause.”

Despite worries about such a severe illness causing long-term lung damage, Lennie is now 4 years old and has more than enough energy to keep Charlie and Abbie, and his younger brother Louie, on their toes.

Charlie said: “Lennie’s definitely an energetic little boy! Running around after him and his brother is about all the training I need for the marathon. It’s hard to think that just a few years ago his lungs were barely working, when you see him now.

“Going from having a healthy, happy baby boy to being in intensive care is any parent’s worst nightmare, but the people at Evelina London were unbelievable. We owe everything to them and the care they gave us, so I’m happy to be able to do my small part to say thank you.”

Dr Alasnag said: “It’s wonderful to see Lennie doing so well after such a horrible illness. Evelina London Children’s Charity does incredible work supporting the hospital and the teams here, so we’re incredibly grateful to Charlie and everyone who is undertaking this massive task to raise money for us.”