Leeds dad runs London Marathon for his disabled daughter
A Leeds father is taking on the London Marathon this April to raise vital funds for SNAPS, the local charity that has supported his eight-year-old daughter since she was a baby.
George Chilcott, from Guiseley, will be running the marathon in honour of his daughter Olive, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy.
Olive cannot sit, walk, or talk, and is fed through a gastrostomy tube. She lives at home with George, her mum, and her two younger sisters, Etta, six and Rose, two.
Despite the daily challenges she faces, Olive is full of personality, with her family describing her as “cheeky”. She adores being in the water and for the last seven years, has attended hydrotherapy sessions at SNAPS - the impact has been transformative.
“Hydrotherapy is Olive’s favourite part of the week,” George explained. “We always say she’s a mermaid really - in the pool she’s free in a way she isn’t anywhere else. Seeing her splash, kick and move independently with a float has brought her so much joy, and to us too.”
Leeds-based charity SNAPS supports children with additional needs and their families through a range of therapies and inclusive activities, including hydrotherapy, rebound therapy, swimming lessons, dance classes, sensory activities, football sessions and free play. Supporting around 100 families every week, the charity provides a safe, welcoming space that many families describe as a “lifeline”. SNAPS doesn’t receive statutory funding to deliver its services, so it relies on the generosity of supporters to keep its doors open.
George, a former keen runner, has recently returned to training with a mission: to raise £6,236 - enough to fund a full week of SNAPS services. He has already raised over £3,000, with support from family, friends, and the local community spurring him on.
“The London Marathon is tough. Training is long, and race day will be brutal,” says George. “But it’s nothing compared to the challenges families like ours face every day. SNAPS has been there for Olive and for us in ways we’ll never forget. Running is my way of giving something back.”
As well as helping Olive, SNAPS provides a vital lifeline for siblings and parents too - offering a place to meet others in similar situations, share experiences, and feel understood.
“Without charities like SNAPS, families like ours would feel completely alone,” George adds. “I’m running for Olive, and for every child who deserves joy, dignity, and opportunity.”
Lisa Morton, Head of Fundraising at SNAPS, adds: “We’re so thankful to George for his amazing commitment. Support like this means everything to SNAPS and the families we work with. His fundraising will help children like Olive access specialist therapies that build confidence, independence, and joy, and allow us to continue being there for families who need us. We’ll all be cheering George on every step of the way!”
* Donations to George’s fundraising can be made at: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/george-chilcott