On Sunday 9th October, I will be running the Royal Parks' Half Marathon.  Until about a week ago I had not run more than 10km in my life and so I am dubious about my ability to more than double this distance.  Please therefore do take a moment to read the below.  If you can spare a few pennies (or even some shiny pounds), every little helps and your support for this amazing charity is really very much appreciated.

Evelina is the second largest specialist children's hospital in the country (after Great Ormond Street) and cares for over 55,000 young patients per year. Its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is one of the UK's leading clinics, specialising in the care of new-born babies who are premature and very sick, some of which have been born as much as 16
weeks early and weigh just 500 grams.  It’s a simple case of luck as to whether or not someone's child would need these facilities. To give birth to a baby and be told that they have a life-threatening condition but will not survive purely because of a lack of equipment isn't something that any parent should have to go through.

I have also experienced the work of the charity first hand.  Ottie Grace Pick (who is the niece of someone I have worked with) has been cared for by the Evelina since she was born 9 weeks prematurely in 2013 and would not be alive today were it not for the life saving surgery and ongoing care provided by the amazing staff at the Evelina.  Ottie has
a congenital heart defect and brittle bones, among numerous other health issues, and has spent much of the first three years of her life at the Evelina - both as an inpatient and outpatient.  Despite all of these challenges, she is one of the sweetest, brightest and happiest little people you could wish to meet.

Please help us make a difference by making a donation. Don't forget to tick the box to reclaim Gift Aid on your donation if you're a UK tax payer. JustGiving will pass this on in
full to charity, making your donation go even further.