2021: The Year That Grounded Us and Helped Us Realise Our True Why

2021 will forever be etched in our family’s history as one of the most challenging yet pivotal years of our lives. It was a year marked by tears, hope, and resilience as we navigated a journey no parent ever imagines embarking upon.

Our oldest son, faced his second major brain surgery to address a severe arachnoid cyst that had grown to occupy two-thirds of the left side of his skull. This cyst compressed his brain into just one-third of his skull, significantly increasing the risks of damage. The surgery was scheduled for the day before the Great North Run – a date we could not change but that added layers of emotion and urgency to the challenges ahead.

Despite the whirlwind of fear and uncertainty, we leaned on the incredible support from The Sick Children’s Trust, who provided us with a 'Home from Home' at Crawford House during his time in the hospital. Located mere minutes from the children’s wards at Newcastle’s RVI, Crawford House allowed us to stay close during his surgery and recovery.

The pandemic compounded our struggles, restricting us to one parent at a time by his side. Without the accommodation at Crawford House, one of us would have had to return home, separated from each other during those critical days. Crawford House gave us the space to regroup, rest, and process our emotions while ensuring we were never far from our little boy.

But through these trials, we found purpose. As parents, we drew strength from our boys resilience, and as a family, we decided to channel our gratitude into action. In 2021, I challenged myself physically and emotionally, cycling the Coast to Coast and running the Great North Run to raise funds for The Sick Children’s Trust. The Great North Run, in particular, held extraordinary significance as it took place just a day after his second surgery. Running 13.1 miles with my emotions raw and my heart heavy for my boy was both humbling and empowering.

Together, these efforts raised £1,775 for this incredible charity. Every penny was our way of giving back for the lifeline they provided during one of the most difficult periods of our lives.

Looking back, 2021 was a turning point. It taught us the strength of family, the power of community, and the importance of gratitude. C, now thriving, continues to be our greatest inspiration, a beacon of resilience and determination.

To every person who supported us, donated, or shared our story: thank you. Your kindness has left an indelible mark on our hearts. And to The Sick Children’s Trust – your work is nothing short of extraordinary.

Here’s to future years and the hope it brings. Whatever challenges life throws our way, we know that together, as a family, we can overcome anything.

Press articles:

https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/people/houghton-dads-great-north-run-mission-for-local-charity-3349578

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/charlie-yorke-houghton-cystsurgery-21473294

SCT

https://www.sickchildrenstrust.org/other-ways-to-help/friends-of-the-sick-childrens-trust/

Just Giving Page

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/josh-yorke