In October I’ll be running the Royal Parks half marathon in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity– given that I’ve never run more than a 5k event before, it’s definitely going to be a challenge.

I’ve been lucky enough to work for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity for over two years, and everyday I’m inspired by the sheer bravery of patients and families and the awe inspiring work of staff at the hospital, who not only provide world class care but also work to find new treatments, and even cures, for some of the most serious and challenging conditions through their pioneering research.

Great Ormond Street Hospital sees c.240,000 patient visits every year from around London, across the UK and all over the world. The hospital is the UK’s leading children’s hospital, with over 50 specialities, and has a global reputation for excellence. The hospital has performed over 500 heart and lung transplants, is part of one of the country’s largest centres for children with cancer, and is already providing lifesaving gene-therapy for children with rare, and otherwise untreatable, diseases.

Every day the hospital’s amazing team of consultants, nurses, surgeons, play-specialists (and more!) care for children and their families living with some of the most serious and complex conditions.

However, while the care provided by the hospital is world class, its buildings do not match this high standard.

That’s why I’m raising money towards the cost of the hospital’s redevelopment programme. Some of the hospital’s clinical wards are no longer fit for purpose, and many are housed in the hospital’s oldest building, constructed in the 1930s. These wards have one bathroom for staff, patients, and their families to use and there is nowhere for parents to have a private chat with their child’s consultant. Bedrooms are small and cramped and there is little or no room for a parent to stay or store belongings, vital when families are visiting from outside of London. 

The hospital plans to open a brand new clinical building by 2017 which will give the hospital’s young patients and their families the modern, spacious and comfortable facilities that they deserve. New wards will have dedicated facilities for staff to take a well-deserved break, and ensuite bedrooms will give greater privacy for children and their families and space for a parent to stay overnight, which we know speeds recovery. 

So please support this amazing cause and sponsor me in my half-marathon attempt! 

Jen

xxx