On 7th April, I will be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon for Horatio's Garden. This amazing charity creates beautiful gardens for patients at spinal units across the UK. It gives them the opportunity to be immersed in nature and the outside world, and to have moments of relief and tranquillity as they go through their rehabilitation journey. 

For me, running and being out in nature is my way to reset and remember the joys of life. I hope by fundraising for Horatio's we can contribute to these gardens the brilliant volunteers grow and care for. My dad volunteers for Horatio's Garden, and it has been a privilege to hear his accounts of the impact that the calm and inspiring gardens are having on patients. 

In my area of work, with it's close connection to the construction industry, health and safety is paramount, and yet there is always a risk when heading out onto site each day. Horatio's Garden is there for people if life changing injuries occur, so I hope to raise as much as possible for this deserving charity.

"Spinal cord injuries are traumatic events. The gardens are vital places for reflection and adjustment for people facing these life-changing injuries and long stays in hospital. The profoundly positive impact of a Horatio’s Garden is clear for patients, their loved ones and hospital staff. Research shows that 98% of beneficiaries see an improvement in their wellbeing with 88% reporting that the gardens have supported their mental and physical rehabilitation."

"The charity’s vision is to sustainably grow thriving communities and biodiverse gardens in all 11 NHS spinal injury centres in the UK. To date we have opened six gardens in the South West, Scotland, Stoke Mandeville, Midlands, London & South East and Wales with our seventh garden under construction in Northern Ireland and our eighth planned to open in Sheffield in 2024."

Many thanks in advance for your support! 

Samantha

www.horatiosgarden.org.uk

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