Working in the RFH Intensive Care Unit for over three years has given me an insight into the challenge faced by patients and their loved ones at often the most difficult time of their life. Thankfully, advances in critical care now mean that many patients now survive events that in the past would have resulted in death. However, surviving the period of critical illness is just the beginning; these patients then face the arduous process of rehabilitation, a physical and psychological struggle that is often fraught with unexpected set-backs.

It is for these reasons I have decided to run (hopefully) the London Marathon for the ICU this year. As this is my first ever serious running (alright any running) I will face my own physical and psychological challenge to complete it. The money raised will be spent on little things that will make a big difference to the emotional journey of those facing recovery, which can often take weeks or months.  Items such as radio’s/t.v’s to battle the boredom of 24 hours in one room, ice lolly’s for those who have finally passed their swallow test after having their endotracheal/tracheostomy tubes removed, money for newspapers/ coffee for when patients can go to the coffee shop for the first time will all make a difference to those fighting to regain control of their life.

If you are interested in my progress/carbs/stats then check out my blog (although this like many things in my life was started before I realised the commitment required to maintain):

http://www.realbuzz.com/blogs/u/taras_marathon_challenge/from-the-cider-bus-to-the-london-marathon-2014/

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