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Christopher Steward raised £2,120 from 91 supporters
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Closed 23/11/2020
Weʼve raised £2,120 to donate to the Rainbow Ward at West Suffolk Hospital.
- Funded on Monday, 23rd November 2020
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Story
On August the 15th 2020 I will be running the Stour Valley Path 50km (32 miles) ultramarathon in aid of The Rainbow Ward at West Suffolk Hospital.
In January 2020 when Nora was 7 weeks old she developed a cold. Over several days it became worse. She stopped taking food, was very quiet and eventually her breathing became laboured. We spoke to 111 and they sent for an ambulance. Liz went with her in the ambulance and when I arrived shortly afterwards she was in A&E surrounded by doctors and nurses. It was a truly terrifying moment for any parent.
She was given oxygen and a canular was placed into her arm. Once stable she was taken to the rainbow ward where they attached her to various monitoring machines, a drip to give her fluids, oxygen forcibly pumped down her nose and a feeding tube. As parents we felt helpless as there was so little we could do to help her other than comfort her. We couldn't even hold her for several days. The staff in the Rainbow Ward were amazing. They took care of Nora so well and reassured us that she was going to be OK. After some tests they confirmed that she had contracted bronchiolitis which is a viral infection much like the flu. It affects a small number of children with some requiring medical attention, but thankfully once managed, she would make a full recovery.
We slept in the hospital for several nights and the nurses and support staff were incredibly helpful, providing me with somewhere to sleep and food for Liz. We cannot speak highly enough of the care Nora received and the support we were given as parents. Each day Nora made improvements with the drip removed first, then the oxygen and finally the feeding tube. I want to raise funds for the Rainbow Ward to help them continue to make the ward such a friendly and supportive place for parents who find themselves in such a position as ours, having their young children in hospital.
I am not a natural runner with cycling being my main sport so to run 32 miles off-road will be a huge challenge. Any donations will be appreciated.
Updates
4
- 4 years ago
Christopher Steward
4 years agoYesterday I completed the SVP50 Ultramarathon and I can truly say it is one of the hardest days of my life. So much thanks goes to my friend Russell who was with me every step of the way with encouragement and help. It took 7hrs 27mins but given how humid it was the time was irrelevant. I was just thankful to complete it as many had to drop out. I am pleased to say that including some cash donations the fundraising total is at £1,721. I have been blown away by everyone's kindness and generosity in sponsorship. Thank you all.
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- 4 years ago
Christopher Steward
4 years agoMy WiSH who organise all of West Suffolk Hospitals charity events kindly sent me a t-shirt to help raise awareness. What better excuse to have a photo with Nora who is now 8 months old! Less than 10 days to the actual ultramarathon. My running will now slow down and I'll cycle and do weights to try and prevent injury but stay fit. Thanks to all those who have donated so far and grateful to anyone who can sponsor me for the 32mile run.
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- 4 years ago
Christopher Steward
4 years agoThank you to everyone who has donated so far. I wasn't sure what target to set but so far it's been smashed. Thank you for everyone's generosity.
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Christopher Steward started crowdfunding
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Supporters
91
Anonymous
Aug 26, 2020
It is wonderful to hear good news such as your fundraising efforts for a great cause.
£100.00
Jan and John at No 35 St Barts Lane.
Aug 21, 2020
Well Done Chris, a great achievement for the West Suffolk Hospital
£20.00
Anonymous
Aug 18, 2020
Congratulations on a super effort.
Anonymous
Aug 18, 2020
Well done Chris. Great effort. x
£100.00
Jon Butland
Aug 18, 2020
£15.00
Anonymous
Aug 17, 2020
Well done Chris. A great achievement for such a special cause.Love from us all,John, Cathy & Ellie
£70.00
Victoria
Aug 16, 2020
Well done Chris. We know how scary it can be to have a baby in intensive care. The NHS really know how to deal with an emergency. Hope your feet aren’t too sore. Nigel, Victoria and Isobel
£32.00
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