Walk right up for team Temple Street

"When Anthony was born five years ago, we were told he had respiratory problems. After many visits and discussions with Dr Ann Twomey, a consultant at Holles Street and Temple Street Children's University Hospital, we were referred to Temple Street Hospital for Anthony to attend under her care.

"Anthony was then diagnosed with Hallermann Strife Syndrome, a condition which affects the airway. This is when our long journey began. He went quite downhill at the age of two. His health deteriorated rapidly, he lost a lot of weight and suffered badly from the lack of oxygen in his body, which was a result of his respiratory problems.

"Anthony was admitted to Temple Street in August 2010 and he and I ended up living at the hospital for almost a year. It was very tough, especially as I have two other children.

"I am just so proud of Anthony. He has been a very brave boy and always had a fighting spirit. He is also a real character and knows lots of the staff at the hospital by name.

"Over time, Anthony's health slowly began to improve and he was discharged from hospital last summer. He now regularly attends Temple Street Hospital as an outpatient and is doing really well.

"Life has returned to normal and I am so happy to see my son doing so well and enjoying being at home with his family again. The next big milestone is that Anthony will be starting play school in April and national school in September.

Friends

"My friends did the Flora Mini Marathon for Temple Street in 2010 and 2011 and I have a great bunch of friends, including my work pals, who are going to join me on the day this year: Anita, Fiona, Louise, Sylvia, Melanie, Treasa, Sinead -- we'll all have the purple Temple Street T-shirts on.

"I'm really pleased to get involved in some fundraising and to show our appreciation for the work that goes on at the hospital.

"I'm walking the Flora Women's Mini Marathon and I actually can't wait for the day. Hopefully, the weather will be fine and the girls and I will have a great day out. There is such camaraderie on the day.

Temple Street has given so much to Anthony, it's my time to give something back.

"Can I just say a really big thank you to the staff on St Gabriel's Ward, to the ward sister Clara Murtagh and to Caroline Flynn, the Senior Play Specialist -- I really couldn't have done it without you all.

"I know that the fundraising office would like to have 1,000 women running or walking for them on the day so, hopefully, some Evening Herald readers might also consider joining the Temple Street team."

To join the Temple Street Flora Women's Mini Marathon Team, call (01) 878 4344 or visit www.templestreet.ie