My name is Conner and I am an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse at a large city hospital in Bristol. I am working with COVID-19 patients. 

Beyond my own role I am really aware of how difficult life is for many people right now and also how difficult it is for so many small charities around the UK. One charity, which is close to my own family’s heart, is the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity (DVLCC). This charity does all it can to support families where a child in that family has Cerebral Palsy or other motor impairment. 

As the name suggests, the charity was started by Dame Vera Lynn and has been providing support for 20 years but right now it is facing its biggest funding challenge. In light of the current crisis the DVLCC centre is closed and many of their programmes have been put on hold. They are still providing online Conductive Education support to families but need as much help possible to keep this going. 

They want to be able to continue to provide their unique support in the South East but receive no government funding. The biggest impact right now is that all fundraising events, including the London Marathon, have been cancelled because of this terrible virus and will be cancelled for the foreseeable future. 

Alongside my full-time position as an ICU nurse, I want to do my extra bit by taking part in the 2.6 Challenge. On the 26 April, I will ride 26 miles on my indoor bike trainer in the fastest time possible. If you are able to make a donation, big or small, I would be very grateful.  

Watch this space for an update on my ride!