Marathon runner ‘owes Norwood the world’ for caring for his sister - The Jewish Chronicle

A young man, who said that he owed his family’s happiness to Norwood, will be running the London Marathon in a bid to raise £5,000 for the charity.

Jacob Steinberg’s older sister, Ella, 26, was born with Sturge-Weber syndrome, a neurological condition, which can result in developmental delay and cognitive impairment. She also has epilepsy and autism.

Needing surgery at a young age, Ella experienced seizures throughout her infancy and childhood until she started taking medication to control them.

Having attended a residential school for people with special educational needs, when she turned 24, her funding was cut.

Ella Steinberg[Missing Credit]

Jacob, 23, said were it not for Norwood providing a flat and garden for Ella at Ravenswood, their residential village in Berkshire, she would have had no other place to go, and both she and her family would now “be leading very different lives”.

By then, her parents were separated and both working and wouldn’t have been able to give her the care that she required, he added.

He said at Ravenswood, she received 24-hour care, as well as hydrotherapy, music lessons, horse riding and was also taken on day trips.

“It's incredible there. There are lots of inclusive opportunities for Ella. My family are all on a WhatsApp group, and my parents bought a phone for her carers so they could join the group and share daily updates on Ella and what she’s getting up to.”

Jacob Steinberg (left), with sister Ella (second left) and family[Missing Credit]

He also said as Ella struggled in an urban environment and had a limited sense of danger, being in Ravenswood with lots of open space was ideal for her.

Jacob, who also has a younger sister, said that the family “owe Norwood the world”, adding: “[Ella] really does get to lead the happy life she deserves every single day. Not only that, but we as her family do too.

"Norwood’s incredible support means we can live our lives knowing she has access to the 24/7 care she needs. In no scenario would that work without Norwood as it wouldn’t be affordable or feasible.”

Jacob Steinberg (right), sister Ella (second left) and family[Missing Credit]

Although a keen runner and sportsman, the member of Central Synagogue has never run a marathon before and said of the experience so far: “It’s really hard work training. I thought it would be easy. It’s constant – I’m always either running or training in the gym. I’m always knackered, or something hurts.

“Marathon running has become almost normalised, thanks to people on social media, but it isn’t normal! Although the training has been challenging, I’ve loved it.”

Jacob and Ella Steinberg[Missing Credit]

Hoping to reach his fundraising goal – and to even exceed it – he said: “I don’t have the means to give a large donation myself, although I give what I can, but this is my way of doing my bit. Any donations no matter the size would be really greatly appreciated.”

A spokesperson for Norwood said: “We’re so grateful to Jacob and our other 25 dedicated marathon runners for taking on the challenge of a lifetime and running the marathon to raise vital funds for Norwood.

"It is even more meaningful when those supporters, like Jacob, have direct experience of our support which empowers their loved ones to live their very best lives. We’ll be cheering them on every step of the way!”

To sponsor Jacob, click here or go to: 2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jacob-steinberg

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Topics:

Norwood

London Marathon 2025