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Holman family in the park before they take part in the Remarkable Race, they all appear to be smiling.

The remarkable Holman family

The Holman family take part in The Remarkable Race to thank Evelina London for the compassionate, trailblazing care they received.

Baby Alana with her brother, Caleb

Alana was transferred to Evelina London

When Alana was just nine days old, her parents Clint and Kerry took her to their local hospital in Kent after she became cold and lethargic. The team in Kent quickly decided to transfer her to Evelina London for specialist treatment. Alana was transported by the South Thames Retrieval Service, one of the amazing services we support.

As soon as they arrived at Evelina London, she was immediately taken into the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), where she was diagnosed with meningitis. Alana’s initial diagnosis proved challenging as her symptoms were showing abnormally.

Specialist care at Evelina London

After Alana’s diagnosis, she was kept for further tests. It turns out she was also suffering from an inflammation in her heart muscle affecting the ability to pump blood, as well as experiencing seizures that had been hard to spot in a baby as young as Alana.

Whilst Alana was kept for tests and treatment, her parents were able to stay next to Evelina London in Ronald McDonald House, which is supported by us to provide ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families with a child in hospital.

Clint said, “It was reassuring being so close and knowing that at any point we could walk up to the hospital and it was fine to sit with Alana for an hour or so. Sometimes we’d wake in the night and go to see her. It meant the world.”

Alana is in a pink dress, arms up in the air smiling, in the background is a tiled floor with yellow walls.

Alana

Alana is now "a happy, bouncy little girl"

Three years later, Alana still receives regular treatment with Evelina London, but Clint says she is a happy, bouncy little girl.

The early intervention from the South Thames Retrieval Service and the specialist care at Evelina London is why Clint and his family decided to fundraise for us.

Clint said, “Without [Evelina London], Alana wouldn’t be here. It’s as simple as that. If our fundraising makes life just a little bit easier for anyone staying there, or any of the staff, then it’s worth it.”

Holman family taking part in The Remarkable Race, in the background is London Eye, Clint on the right and Kerry on the left holding up a frame that reads

Holman family taking part in The Remarkable Race

Taking on The Remarkable Race

After running various races for the charity over the past few years, Clint is delighted The Remarkable Race gives Alana’s whole family a chance to raise money together for the first time.

Before the race Clint shares, “The kids are so excited to be involved this time, and Alana is looking forward to the medal! We know the area from visiting Evelina London so it will be nice to be there without having an appointment to go to. We’ll be able to really enjoy the sights and raise more money for a great cause.”

Inspired by the incredible Holman family? Sign up to find out when The Remarkable Race registrations open for 2027.

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Tony Hudgell in the park on crutches

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