It is with great surprise to my family, friends and knees that I find myself signed up to this year’s Great North Run on September 19. Indeed my story should be an object lesson to us all on the dangers of mixing a small amount of alcohol, male bravado and the internet.
I am far from a natural distance runner (I ran for school up to 200 metres with some efficiency due to being naturally gun shy) and my body is best described as being in a good “pre hunting” condition, so the Great North Run’s hilly 13.1 miles is a real challenge for me physically and mentally.
So why am I doing it?
There is of course the personal challenge to prove to myself that I’m not dead yet and the overwhelming feeling of wanting to do my bit for two of Leicester Hospital Charity’s campaigns, the Newborn Baby and Forget-Me-Not Appeals.
Newborn Baby Appeal
I have been very lucky to work with Andy Currie and his neonatal team and have seen at first hand the “smallest of small” babies battling for their lives, so it is impossible not to be touched and want to help. Providing at “Dressing Gown” distance, parent’s accommodation is a tangible way of supporting the whole family, at what must be the most stressful of times. Those of us with children would all give good money not to have to use this service, but nationally one in ten will be admitted to a neonatal unit.
Forget-Me-Not Appeal
Creating a Dementia Centre of Excellence is also close to my heart as my father has been living with Parkinson’s for the last few years. All forms of dementia can be scary and isolating for both patient and carer. As we and the population get older, understanding these conditions and developing the best practice is key to the future quality of all our lives. Statistically one in three of us will be touched by a form of dementia, so wherever you’re reading this, look in to the eyes of those around you, count to three and then grab your wallet because I need your support.
Please try to write something supportive and pledge whatever you can.
The next time you’re in the car, reset the odometer and see how far 13.1 miles is and think of “poor Bob” and his clicking knees.
Thank you
www.uhl-tr.nhs.uk/fundraising/forget-me-not
http://www.uhl-tr.nhs.uk/fundraising/newborn-baby-appeal
