Fundraising News
Colchester parents ‘Hundreds of Miles for Smiles’ campaign for their son with rare syndrome
14 May 2026
The parents of a nine-year-old Colchester boy who has Angelman Syndrome are taking on a series of gruelling running challenges to raise funds for desperately needed equipment.
William Goodson from Messing, Colchester was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome at nine months old. He suffers frequent seizures, is non-verbal and has only recently managed to walk unaided. He also contracted a life-limiting superbug which attacks his respiratory system. He has endured more than 50 trips in ambulances so far and will never be able to live independently.
However, he is a happy and extremely affectionate and sociable child who loves to be out and about, playing in water and eating cake.
He won a highly commended Child of Courage Award at the Pride of Essex 2019 awards.
His parents Andrew, 45, an insolvency practitioner and Emma, 44, a chartered nuclear engineer, fundraise constantly for therapies and equipment for William which are not available on the NHS.
Andrew has recently completed the 256 mile Thames ring in just under 79 hours – coming in joint third place. Upcoming races include the 100 mile Farmageddon in Buntingford, Hertfordshire on May 23rd and the 100 mile Maldon Ultra in June. Meantime Emma has completed almost all the World Marathon Majors (London, Berlin, Tokyo, New York, Boston, Chicago and Syndney) with plans to take on Valencia this winter and Cape Town and Shanghai nest year if they also become ‘Majors’.
The family and their supporters have already raised more than £30,000 through their #BeMoreWilliam Hundreds of Miles for Smiles campaign to fund equipment and therapies including hydrotherapy equipment and off-road wheelchairs and buggies.
Dad Andrew said: ‘William loves being in water and it also helps with his strength and mobility. Physical therapy has made a vast difference to him – he is now able to walk a little unsupported. But he has the mental development of a two year old so will always need help and also needs constant supervision.’
‘However he is the happiest, most sociable child – even as he was having a seizure he was trying to greet the doctor because he recognised him.’
‘All our fundraising activities are to help William live the best life possible. We are very lucky to have supportive friends, family and community and are incredibly grateful for every penny donated, all of which goes towards a better quality of life for William. He spreads smiles and joy to all he meets.’
William's dad
The family is being supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope, which helps families raise money for children and young people like William for medical treatments and healthcare services not freely available to them through the NHS and social care. The charity provides fundraising guidance, campaign development, financial management, charity registration and emotional support from the Family Support team. Families like William’s benefit from having the support, tools and resources to fundraise effectively as well as access to gift aid, corporate support while also providing donor reassurance.
‘We wish William and his supporters all the best with their fundraising activities! We are pleased to give them support in reaching their fundraising goals.’
CEO
To donate to William’s fund, visit https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/william-goodson/ , to donate to Andrew's challenge, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nuts-about-running2026 or find out more about the #BeMoreWilliam fundraising campaign visit the Hundreds of Miles for Hundreds of Smiles YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@HoM4HoS
