Caiden, Martine and Kyle are looking forward to receiving their fifth Dark Run medals

A Chirk family are taking part in a Dark Run in memory of their beloved little sister and daughter Mia.

Brothers Liam, Caiden, Kyle and their mum Martine Crouch are joining the magical run at Chirk Castle on October 19^th. They are taking part for the fifth time to remember four-year-old Mia who died in 2018.

Martine and her son Caiden, aged 14, will sound the starting horn to launch the run in front of the castle lit up in Hope House colours. Brothers Liam, 16, and Kyle, 12, will be taking part in the run, while Caiden and his mum will then be joining in to walk the distance.

“Caiden has cerebral palsy so struggles more with his mobility. We may just do one lap then wait for the others with a hot chocolate, though Caiden is keen to complete the full 4k for the first time!” says Martine.

Caiden will officially launch the event before earning his medal by walking the distance as well.

The run has become a way to remember Mia and a thank you to the hospice. This year, they’ll be marking their fifth run by taking part with an extended family group.

“It’s become a bit a tradition that we take part in the Dark Run then enjoy a Chinese takeaway together. The Dark Run is a really sociable celebration and we’re not too late home again. We try to make it a happy day where we get together to celebrate Mia’s life.”

Mia was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and spina bifida during Martine’s pregnancy. She was asked if she wanted to continue with her pregnancy, and warned that her baby might not survive her birth, but Martine knew she wanted to give Mia a fighting chance.

The family were put in touch with a Hope House’s Neonatal Link Nurse.

Mia was born via caesarean section, she needed various operations and went on to live until the age of four. Hope House provided respite care when Martine needed it and supported the family. After Mia’s death, the hospice continued to care through sibling support and counselling.

Martine says she can’t imagine life without Hope House.

“Hope House became like a family to us, supporting all of us when we most needed them.

“As the boys have got older we’ve needed sibling support less, however we’re still in touch with many staff. We still like to see some of the amazing people who cared for us, and we’re looking forward to seeing some of them again at this year’s run.”

Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices host four Dark Run events across North Wales and Shropshire. The Chirk event is now sold out, but there are still places for the runs at Penrhyn Castle on October 19^th and Telford Town Park and RSPB Conwy on October 26^th.

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