Why we’re running for Alfie
As told by Helen Harrison
We first got involved with CMV Action after our son, Alfie, was born with congenital CMV in December 2018. Like so many others, we had never even heard of the virus until Alfie’s diagnosis. Since then, we’ve made it our mission to raise awareness of cCMV and to support the incredible work CMV Action does to help families like ours.
CMV has had a profound and life-changing impact on our family. Alfie has been significantly affected. He lives with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, epilepsy, severe learning difficulties, and cerebral visual impairment. He is completely dependent on us to keep him safe, happy and as healthy as possible. Life is challenging, but Alfie is at the heart of everything we do.
We chose to take on challenge of running ‘The Big Half’ because we wanted to push ourselves to do something we hadn’t done before, for Alfie and for all the families who walk a similar path. There have been moments of uncertainty along the way including pulled muscles, sprains, and plenty of aches, but the feeling of running distances we never thought we could, is something we’ll never forget.
CMV Action’s work is so important to us. The charity not only supports families navigating the overwhelming journey of a cCMV diagnosis, but it also campaigns tirelessly to raise awareness among health professionals and the wider public. Their commitment to making CMV heard is vital and we’re proud to play our part in that mission.
We run for awareness. We run for change. But most of all, we run for Alfie.
The Big Half will be taking place on Sunday 7th September – donations and messages of support can be sent by clicking this link: https://2025thebighalf.enthuse.com/pf/helen-harrison