Uncle runs Reykjavik half-marathon for nephew with rare illnesses

Hallur Flosason plans to run the half-marathon at the Reykjavik Marathon to raise money for Einstök börn, a support association for families of children with long-term illnesses, mbl.is reports. He says he is running primarily for his six-year-old nephew and namesake, Hall Guðjónsson.

Hall was born with symptoms of spina bifida, hydrocephalus and Arnold Chiari malformation II. He was also diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of three.

Hallur says Einstök börn has provided important support to his sister and her family, including counselling, courses for siblings and other relatives, summer events and theatre trips. He also says the association gives parents of children in similar circumstances an opportunity to meet and feel less alone.

“It is a beautiful association, and it was an easy choice for me to run for it,” Hallur says.

He describes his nephew as entertaining, determined and intelligent, with a love of people, sports and food. A family trip around Iceland in July gave Hallur further insight into the many daily challenges involved in caring for a child with a long-term illness.

Hallur set a fundraising target of 950,000 Icelandic krónur for Einstök börn and his nephew. More than 850,000 krónur has already been raised, leaving the campaign about 10 per cent short of its goal.