Sebastian ready to run Scotty's May Marathon in memory of his dad
Since joining Scotty’s in 2017, 13-year-old Sebastian Hill from Gourock, West Scotland, has completed the May Marathon every year in memory of his father, Royal Navy Chaplain Reverend John Hill MBE, who died of a heart attack when Sebastian was just 7 months old.
This year, he once again plans to tackle the 26.2 mile journey for the charity that has offered his family so much support these past 6 years, and is doing so with characteristic determination.
Sebastian Hill in his Scotty's running gear
Going the distance
“It’s 0.97 miles to my school and back, so just under a mile,” says Sebastian. “We put on our Scotty t-shirts and go on extra walks, too, to make sure we see some different views. Lots of my dad’s friends know about Scotty’s and donate to my fundraisers, which really helps.”
Since starting his first ever May Marathon, Sebastian has raised thousands of pounds for Scotty’s Little Soldiers.
His mum, Caroline, says: “I think what Sebastian has done is quite outstanding, that he’s wanting to give back to the charity that gives him so much joy.”
Baby Sebastian and his dad, Reverend John Hill MBE
"Scotty's is like a second family."
Once Sebastian has completed the upcoming May Marathon, he will have covered a total of 157.2 miles for Scotty’s Little Soldiers. That’s already a huge amount, but Sebastian has no plans of stopping: “Scotty’s is like a second family. I love everything about it and I’m always thinking of ways to help out."
Scotty’s Little Soldiers was founded in 2010 by war widow Nikki Scott, with the aim of supporting bereaved military children just like Sebastian. All his hard work helps fund the family programmes he and hundreds more bereaved military children have benefitted from, and even earned the attention of his local press.
Sebastian in the ball pit at Scotty's Christmas party
"He's a wee local hero."
“He’s been in the local paper the last couple of years,” Caroline explains. “They did some articles on him and got a photographer to come up – it was announced in our church as well. Because of that, lots of people who wouldn’t normally give to the charity have done. He’s a wee local hero.”
Sebastian’s desire to help others is something his father shared. Shortly before his death, John appeared on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list and was awarded the MBE for his years of work with HCPT, the Handicapped Children’s Pilgrims Trust.
“John and Sebastian are so similar,” says Caroline. “They both have this drive to do things, and even stuff as small as their mannerisms are the same. He’s currently sitting with his legs crossed like John used to, and he’s starting to look like him as he gets a bit older as well. He’s quite like his dad in general, even though he’s only really had me around.”
Sebastian in his Scotty's t-shirt
"Knowing I'm not the only one is really comforting."
Caroline and Sebastian first heard about Scotty’s Little Soldiers in 2017. They were attending Party at the Palace, honouring the children of those who have died serving in the Armed Forces. The event took place in Buckingham Palace and was hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
“Meeting lots of other people who have lost their dad and knowing I’m not the only one is really comforting,” says Sebastian.
“John would be super proud of him,” adds Caroline. “I wish he was here to see what Sebastian is achieving. He’d be so chuffed with everything he’s doing for charity – especially a charity like Scotty’s, that does so much good for both children and the military.”
Baby Sebastian with his dad, John, and mum, Caroline
Supporting bereaved military children
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people (0 to 25 years) who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
Members include access to child bereavement support, guidance to parents and carers, personal education and learning assistance (including grants), and fun activities such as holiday respite breaks and group events. These are all designed to remind the children and young people supported by Scotty’s that they are not alone.
Scotty’s founder, Nikki, says: “Sebastian is an inspiring young man who always goes the extra mile for Scotty’s. Hearing how much the charity means to him is such a pleasure, and the amount he’s raised over the years is truly incredible. It's people like Sebastian who help make Scotty's what it is and ensure we can continue delivering our members all the support they need.”
Sebastian with Corporal Scotty
