Ollie Thorne

In 2001 and 2002, Ollie Thorne underwent surgery on his left hip at RNOH, following a diagnosis of Perthes’ disease. His treatment made a lasting impact, giving him the chance to live an active life, free from the limitations that might have followed. This year, Ollie’s striving for an achievement that might never have been possible without that early intervention and it all comes together in April as he takes on the mighty Manchester Marathon for RNOH Charity!

Perthes’ disease is a rare childhood disorder that affects the blood supply to the hip joint, causing potential long-term complications. The problem mainly affects young children from three to 10 years old and each year, about 1 in 10,000 people under 15 will develop symptoms. Ollie was given a diagnosis that no child wants to hear but, thanks to the teams at RNOH, he received successful treatment that turned his situation around.

Two years ago, Ollie began running through the Couch to 5K programme, with a personal goal in mind: to complete a marathon before turning 35. This year, he’s reaching that goal – and then some – having run the Cambridge Half Marathon in March and the Manchester Marathon in April, his first-ever distance events!

“I am both pleased and full of trepidation in equal measure,” Ollie says. To mark the occasion, he has chosen to raise funds for the hospital that helped him as a child. “I thought it would be appropriate to try and raise a little money for the hospital that took such good care of me,” he adds. It’s Ollie’s way of recognising the care he received, supporting the work that continues to change lives today and helping another child rewrite their future, just as he did.

Thank you, Ollie. What a remarkable achievement. We’ll be cheering you on!

If you'd like to support Ollie’s efforts and the work of RNOH, please consider contributing to his fundraiser. Every donation helps make more stories like his possible. His link is here.