Brighton detective Graham Mepham is running in the Brighton Marathon tomorrow to raise money for the hospital which treated his ten-year-old daughter.
Detective Sergeant Mepham, who works in intelligence for Sussex Police in Hollingbury, said: “In January 2009 my daughter Verity was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare genetic condition known as Gaucher’s disease which is incurable and only affects 1 in 100,000 people.
“Within a week of being diagnosed Verity had been referred to a specialist team at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
“Only days later we were informed that GOSH had secured funding to enable Verity to receive fortnightly enzyme replacement treatment for the rest of her life.
“Over the course of the next six months Verity had to endure frequent visit to GOSH to receive various tests and infusions along with having to undergo an operation to implant a ‘port’ into the side of her chest to enable easy access for her lifetime of treatment.
“Thankfully, due to the support and kindness shown by doctors and nurses at GOSH, Verity is now receiving home treatment and is thriving in every aspect of her life.
“I can never repay the debt I owe to these wonderful people at GOSH.
“However, in order to show my thanks, I am looking to run the Brighton Marathon in support of Great Ormond Street.”
Detective Sergeant Mepham has set up a Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/graham-mepham.
