Three years ago, Mark underwent major transplant surgery and was in hospital for three months, including 5 weeks in Intensive care. A year after he left ITU he ran a 10k to raise money for the transplant center. Running has helped him along his recovery journey and he is returning to Oxford to run the half marathon to say Thank you. Thank you to the Churchill Hospital but also thank you to his organ donor who enabled him to live.  As his nurse, I have been by his side throughout his journey, ran the 10k with him and I will attempt to keep up with him during the Oxford Half!! 

We have joined forces with Daley Cross, Youth support worker for the Young Adult Clinic, and are running as a team to raise funds for the YAC. The Young Adults are all into sport and are passionate competitors in the transplant games. The routine and commitment to sport has helped them with their journey. The funds raised will help transplant patients compete in the transplant games and get back into sport. The Oxford Team compete in the British Transplant Games and a few of our athletes also compete for Team GB in the World Transplant Games coming home with many medals.

I appreciate that there are so many events going on and people asking for sponsorship. Seeing how Daley's work enhances the lives of our young, vulnerable patients and Mark's determination to complete a half marathon makes me very proud to be running by their side.