Running Half Marathon for the Castang Foundation

Hi everyone! My name is Jenin (or Gigi) and I’ve decided to run the AJ Bell half-marathon to raise funds for The Castang Foundation.

This is my brother Khalid. He was very ill for most of his life and never learned to walk or properly talk, he wore a full body brace and attended physiotherapy routinely. Despite the regular medical support he received, Khalid’s condition progressively worsened until he unfortunately passed away on 20/01/03 at 4 years old - just before I was born.

My family always taught me to do good and be good, and to stand up against injustices in the world. Deciding to fundraise for The Castang Foundation became my ultimate choice because of what it means for my family.

Khalid’s death has had a lasting effect on my family; even ~22 years after his passing, my mother still celebrates his birthday on September 28. My mother recently confessed to us that she worries everyone forgot about him except for ‘us 3’ (my parents and sister). My dad quotes Khalid’s passing as the worst thing that has ever happened to him. My sister was only 6 when she lost her brother - she still struggles to read clocks and do some basic maths because, at the time that other kids her age were learning, she was grieving the loss of her little brother.

I’ve decided to dedicate this run to my parents and sister, who have suffered a horrible tragedy and injustice as a consequence of Khalid’s improper medical care and treatment.

The Castang Foundation funds research into childhood neurodisabilities, namely cerebral palsy - Khalid’s official diagnosis. To this day, my family suspects that he may have been misdiagnosed; if this lifesaving research existed at the time of his passing, he may have received the proper treatment required to survive.

If any of these funds make a lifesaving change in even just one family’s life, I know I’ll feel accomplished with this run.

Please donate if you can! Any amount makes the world of a difference :)