Toddler’s resilience inspires London Marathon runners 

Written by Sam Wilson, February 6, 2025

This is Calvin, the cuddly three-year-old with haemophilia B who’s inspired two runners to step up for the London Marathon to support our charity. 

Steve, Calvin’s dad, and Amy, Calvin’s auntie, hope to raise thousands of pounds for the Haemophilia Society (THS) when they join the race on 27 April. 

The whole family, including mum Ally and daughter Sienna, have had to deal with a lot since Calvin’s birth. When Calvin was six months old, he had a stroke, caused by a brain bleed, and was diagnosed with severe haemophilia B.  

The stroke meant Calvin needed brain surgery and he spent three weeks at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London under the care of its excellent haemophilia team. Although Calvin has made great progress since that traumatic time, the long-term effect of his stroke is not known. He has a weakened right side, global developmental delay and has been diagnosed with epilepsy.  

Steve said: ‘There are still a lot of unknowns about how he will develop, but he’s only three and the hope’s there. Calvin’s very cuddly and is happy in himself. He’s just a lovely little boy, but I’m a bit biased!’ 

Amy, who is Ally’s sister, said: ‘It was a really, scary, tough time when Calvin had his stroke, we huddled together as a family. Steve and Ally were so strong and did an incredible job in holding everything together.’ 

There is no family history of haemophilia, so Calvin’s diagnosis came as an additional shock. Steve said: ‘We’ve learnt a lot and it’s surprising how quickly his twice-weekly factor IX injections have become routine. I’m lucky because my wife Ally is unbelievably mentally strong.   She’s just cracked on with it, so it’s become part of our lives to do that.’ 

Both Amy and Steve enjoy running and had ambitions to one day attempt the London Marathon, having completed half marathons in the past, and felt like this was the year to get involved. 

Steve said: ‘The last few years have been a bit of a rollercoaster just coming to terms with Calvin’s needs, with haemophilia being a major part of that. Taking part in the London Marathon was about wanting to do something for Calvin, to raise some money for a cause that’s personal to us and to bring awareness to people who don’t know about haemophilia.’ 

Amy added: ‘Now that we know more about what THS does and the support that the charity gives, we saw it as the best time to partner with them and we’re super-honoured to be running it for the society.’ 

Amy said: ‘I want to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy it, especially because of why we’re doing the marathon. Even if I have to walk, I’ll be there at the end!’ 

The pair have different running times, so won’t run together, but will keep in touch during the race. 

Show your support for Amy and Steve by donating here: https://www.justgiving.com/team/steve-and-amy