We lost our darling Emma Rose nearly four years ago now.  She led a wonderful life as a beautiful daughter, sister and friend for over 15 very happy years.  Her health unexpectedly deteriorated in early 2014 - everyone suspected some form of lung disorder.  Eventually this diagnosis was revised and she was sent for a medical review at GOSH where she suffered sudden and unexpected heart failure.  She actually had a dreadful and extremely rare disease called Churg Strauss (a form of vasculitis) which had, unbeknown to us all, badly damaged her heart and other organs.  For the next 102 days we spent in intensive care the wonderful surgeons, doctors and nurses at GOSH across over 30 departments, closely supported by our family and friends, did absolutely everything in their collective power to save, stabilise and give Emma the chance of returning to a normal life. Emma's journey was always at the extremes of medicine and when her own heart could not be saved she was lucky enough to be given a transplant.  Emma faced it all with courage and bravery but very sadly lost her battle on 30th May, 2014.  The compassion, skill, love and friendship extended to Emma and her family by the staff of GOSH was humbling and the work they do is truly inspirational.  

Many people have kindly completed amazing fund raising challenges in Emma’s memory.  My focus has been on triathlon and I have completed, with some amazing team members, a fundraising journey from the London Olympic Triathlon in 2015 to half Ironman distance races in 2016 and 2017.  I have, in the process, lost 32kgs, much of my spare time and many of my other hobbies!  We have collectively raised over £250,000 to date but the need for funds at GOSH is ongoing and urgent and we have undertaken to go further in 2018 and have assembled a team to try to complete a full distance triathlon – 140.6 miles of Swimming, Cycling and Running all within a cut off time of 15 hours.  Our aim is to finish the race and raise an additional £200,000 for much needed projects at Great Ormond Street Hospital. 

Challenge Roth in Bavaria Germany - on 1^st July 2018 - is our chosen race and is renowned for being the world’s favourite full distance triathlon.  Our team is made up of 8 new to full distance triathletes many of whom have been on the triathlon journey with me since Emma died, one former Ironman UK Champion and one plucky relay team.  Team IronHatch is kindly being sponsored by some amazing brands, Trek Bikes, Athlete Lab, Huub, Challenge Tri Camps, Kat Berry Coaching, thatcameraman and Squeeze Nutrition. 

I have never done any of the individual full distances involved in the  swim, bike or run and I have no idea how I am going to complete the task but we have another year to prepare and have come a long way in the sport over the last two years.  

Anything you can do to support me, the team and importantly Great Ormond Street Hospital would be wonderful.  Thank you in advance for all your continuing support and for remembering Emma.    

Follow our journey on Instagram @Team_Hatch and Facebook Team TeamHatch2018