Patient's mum on her Give It Up For GOSH effort: 'I'm a pudding person so it's a challenge'

Cake lover: Carol Thompson with her son Matthew and daughter Hannah
Carol Thompson
Sebastian Mann7 January 2016

Sweet-toothed mum Carol Thompson and her son Matthew, a Great Ormond Street patient, persuaded the whole family to give something up this January as a thank you to the hospital.

Carol, 41, is being sponsored to cut cake and puddings from her diet in an effort to raise money for the paediatric centre where 13-year-old Matthew received world-class care for the rare congenital Scimitar Syndrome, which affects his heart and lungs.

The challenge is part of the Give It Up For GOSH fundraising initiative taking place this January for the Evening Standard's Give to GOSH appeal.

Matthew's condition has meant he's never been able to play rugby despite his passion for the sport.

But that hasn't stopped him joining his mother, along with dad Colin, to give up cake for January. Sister Hannah, nine, has cut out sweets and fizzy drinks.

Today mum Carol, from Letchworth Garden City, spoke of the progress the family is making with their Give It Up For GOSH effort.

She said: “I’m finding it quite a challenge - especially when we went out for a meal in London on Saturday.

"I’m very much a pudding person. I will even check out the menu first for what pudding I want and then work backwards for what else I can fit in. It was very difficult choosing a starter instead.

"When we went shopping we had to ignore all the shops and stalls with lovely looking cakes. I had to remind my daughter Hannah a few times when she’s gone to get a drink that she can’t have fizzy or any crisps until February.

"Several of my family and friends are also taking part and we’re all sponsoring each other.

"I think it’s so worthwhile for people to set themselves a tough challenge and know that it is helping raise money for such an amazing cause."

Sponsor Carol by visiting her JustGiving page.

It's also not too late to take part yourself. Getting started is simple: choose just one thing to give up, then click here where JustGiving will help you to create a page and encourage friends, family and colleagues to donate.

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