Giving Back to The Bristol Children’s Hospital

The AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Bristol Run is held in partnership with Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the dedicated charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital. Billed as ‘Super Saturday’, the event gives younger runners a chance to shine and among those taking part will be nine-year old Reuben Tushingham.

For Reuben, being able to run the 2.5k Junior event (for those aged 9-15 years) is not only a chance to have fun while raising funds for a charity close to his family’s heart, but also symbolic of how far he’s come since his early years.

Reuben was born with talipes (also known as club foot), which happens when the Achilles tendon (the large tendon at the back of the ankle) is too short and causes either or both feet to turn in and under. Both Reuben’s feet were affected, but thanks to extensive treatment from the Bristol Children’s Hospital, he’s now able to walk, play football, ride his bike – and take part in a 2.5k running challenge.

“We were told about Reuben’s condition at the 20-week scan and were advised that it wouldn’t be mild,” explains Reuben’s father, David Tushingham.

“Right from soon after he was born, Bristol Children’s Hospital has been there for us at every stage. Not only did they take the time to make sure we understood everything that was happening throughout Reuben’s treatment, but they also made sure we felt emotionally supported. Everyone was so warm and accommodating, which makes such a difference.

“When Reuben was born we didn’t know what to expect, so to see him take part in this run makes us beyond delighted. The Junior & Mini event gives us a chance to give something back to the hospital which works so hard to support children and their families who are facing all kinds of significant challenges.”

Reuben adds: “Bristol Children’s Hospital cared for me so that today I can do runs like this one!

“They gave me boots and a bar, operated on my feet, gave me new splints to wear and plaster casts when I needed them. They taught me stretches that I need to do as I grow. They made me feel safe and they cheered me on through my treatment. Because of their kindness and hard work, I can play football with my friends and ride my bike!”

A team effort

Reuben will be running as part of a team of friends and family who are taking part in the Junior and Mini event to raise money for Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity. So far, the team of 15 young runners spans four counties and includes his five year-old sister, Iona, who will be joining the 1.5k Mini event for runners aged 3-8 years-old.

In previous years, the Great Bristol Run has held a Family Run event for runners aged three years and over, which raised tens of thousands of pounds for local and national charities over the years. The new Junior & Mini event replaces the Family Run, giving more opportunities for kids to take part in their own running challenge.

Reuben took part in the Family Run at last year’s Great Bristol Run, when he raised more than £1,000 for Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal – far outstripping his initial target of £50. Now with his team of fellow young runners joining him, he’s aiming to do even better in 2025.

To help prepare for the event, Reuben has taken part in his local parkrun at Horfield Common with his friends. “Reuben also plays football with his team Ashley Down FC which is an important part of most weekends now”, says David. “His feet can get tired quite quickly, so we just take things at his pace to make sure he feels comfortable.

“Iona is training alongside Reuben and is keen to cross the finish line faster than she did at the Family Run last year!”

To find out more or enter the Junior & Mini Great Bristol Run, click here.