A local family is on a mission to give back to a charity that has been there for them from the beginning, Ronald McDonald House has given 15-month-old Judd Cantrill the biggest gift of all, his family.

The Cantrill’s Ronald McDonald House (RMH) journey began in May, when Judd was taken to Westmead Children’s Hospital to investigate why he was having respiratory issues. Mum Alana explained, “At that point we only spent a few nights at RMH, and in that time and were blown away by the facility.”

Alana continued, “We were sent home in June, however on July 2, Judd was helicoptered back to Westmead when he stopped breathing, since then we have been living at RMH.” At this stage, Judd and his family are expected to stay in RMH until December.

“They has been our saving grace in a time when we are struggling... the facility itself is incredible but then you add the support of the staff and volunteers and it becomes a place of support not only as a place to stay, but as a support network. When we have a tough day the staff and volunteers are there to talk to and help wherever they can!”

The Cantrill’s spoke of ‘Meals from the Heart,’ which includes businesses and groups cooking meals for the families, as well as their learning and school holiday programs.

“It just makes a huge difference to all of our situations to have one less thing to worry about,” said Alana.

After a visit to see his nephew, Judd’s uncle, Jake Johnston was inspired to raise some money for RMH, with the knowledge that it costs the house $160 a night a family to stay there.

“I knew what the Ronald McDonald House did, though I didn’t really realise how much of a difference it makes. When I went there and saw it firsthand, just how hard some of the families were doing it and how much the house helps them. I wanted to do what I could to help out a bit.”

Thus was created ‘Run For Judd.’ This event was planned with the intent that community members can be sponsored as they walk or run laps of the Pinnacle stairs. Encourage your backers to sponsor you per lap, and of course, do as many laps as you can! Everyone is welcome, bring your family, bring your friends. There will be a jumping castle and barbeque and options to donate on the day.

Jake continued, “It probably won’t help Alana and Josh’s family, but it will help families down the road. We would love to raise $5,000, that would be unreal, but anything we can get it helpful.”

There are currently 18 Ronald McDonald Houses around the country and any funds raised are distributed between the Houses and their programs.

Alana added, “Jake has been so kind to organise this event, it’s extremely important for our family and me to support this charity that has given so much to our us when we have needed it most! Donations are so important to keep the doors open for Ronald McDonald House.”

‘Run for Judd’ will take place on Saturday, October 26 at the Pinnacle from 9am. The event encourages you to be sponsored as you walk or run laps of the pinnacle stairs.

What are you waiting for? Get a team together and start raising money for a great cause!

If you can’t make it on the day follow the link to donate https://rmhc-challenge.raisely.com/jakejohnston