The proud Dad running four marathons in eight weeks
By Tom Allen
Ten year old Beth is a Park Lane regular, despite having complex needs. In this blog, her Dad Tom explains why he’s signed up for a marathon challenge this spring.
My daughter Beth was born with Dravet Syndrome, a severe genetic form of epilepsy that begins in infancy, causing difficult-to-control seizures, developmental delays, and other associated conditions such as autism, ADHD, and motor and speech difficulties.
The day-to-day challenges of living with Dravet Syndrome are enormous. Beth requires constant supervision to keep her safe and has suffered 1,000+ seizures to date, many lasting in excess of one hour.
Beth was first offered the chance of a ride at Park Lane Stables in April 2022 via Bedelsford School, which she attends in nearby Kingston-upon-Thames. She was 6 years old, and, while we’re always keen to give Beth different experiences, this was a little girl who would not sit still for more than a minute at a time in any scenario – let alone, we thought, on the back of horse! But, as so often, she amazed us. From day one she loved it and was also unfazed by the new environment when the stables finally relocated back to Teddington from their temporary home in Ham.
It’s a joy to see the calming influence these incredible animals have on Beth
Beth is non-verbal, highly autistic and it is extremely hard to engage her in many regular activities. Her weekly rides give her the opportunity to do just that. They now last up to 30 minutes – still much to our surprise – and the talented team at Park Lane Stables understand her complex needs so well.
In addition to her clear enjoyment of the ride itself, it is a joy to see the calming influence these incredible animals have on Beth. Her schoolteachers often report how much more grounded Beth is when she arrives in the classroom following a ride. The Park Lane team have even been able to implement some of Beth’s physiotherapy exercises into her rides (she has Scoliosis) – it is a truly holistic set of benefits.
Rides in the beautiful surroundings of Bushy Park are also something Beth can, on occasions during school holidays, enjoy with her younger sibling. Grace adores her older sister, and it is wonderful to see the two of them enjoying riding horses together. Taking Beth for a ride is a positive start to any day and we are so grateful for the access we have to the horses and the team that care so brilliantly for them.
Over the last 10 years, we have been hugely grateful for the support we have received from four amazing charities: Dravet Syndrome UK, Shooting Star Children’s Hospice, Yorda Adventures – and Park Lane Stables. I decided to take on the challenge of running four marathons in just eight weeks, with the target of raising a minimum of £3,000 for each charity, to say thank you and to support their incredible work.
4 Countries. 4 Marathons. 4 Amazing charities.
Beth is of Welsh, French, English, and Danish heritage. Quite the combo! Therefore, I will be starting with the Great Welsh Marathon in March, before tackling Paris and London in April, and finishing in Copenhagen in May.
I’m embracing the training and genuinely enjoy it – it’s a privilege to be able to put on a pair of trainers and go for a run. It’s something Beth, and many others, will never get the chance to do. And, after all, I decided to do this challenge! I have only myself to blame if it hurts!
While I’m now fitter than ever, I’ve no idea what the impact of four marathons in such a short period of time will have on my body, but I am highly motivated because of the amazing charities I’m supporting, and it certainly won’t be for the lack of trying.
I am raising money for the four charities on my GoFundMe page, with all donations split equally between them.
I’m also hoping to raise awareness of the wonderful work each charity does, and sharing a few training updates along the way. You’ll find me over on Instagram at @dravetdad. Give me a follow!
All of us at Park Lane are in total awe of Tom and support him every step of the way in his challenge.
Find out more about the work of the three other charities benefitting from Tom’s epic challenge:
Dravet Syndrome UK, Shooting Star Children’s Hospice, and Yorda Adventures.