Hello lovely people!

If you are reading this you probably knew, in some capacity, the legend that was Helen Cooper. Helen was a fiercely wonderful woman, always the first on the dance floor, g&t in hand, and would never say no to a bit of fun (so long as it didn't require too much physical exertion) or a green fruit pastille. Helen was a daughter, sister, wife, nurse, friend, and mum, and her infectious personality enhanced the lives of everyone she knew.

On the 11th December 2015, my beautiful, funny, strong mum passed away from cancer. We hadn't known about the illness for long, but it spread quickly and within a matter of weeks mum was admitted to hospital. During this time, mum was looked after with an immense amount of love and care by the brilliant staff of the Intensive Care Unit at Morriston Hospital in Swansea. From sorting her pillows, to making sure that her stash of emergency Joe's ice cream tubs were always well looked after, they couldn't have done more to help make Helen's last few days as comfortable as possible.

For this reason, and on behalf of Helen's family and friends, I want to say thank you. I've chosen to do this through signing up to three different sporting events, taking place over the course of 2017 and comprising 120 miles of blood, sweat, and probably a few tears. The events I will be participating in are the West London Tough Mudder in May, the Dragon Etape Bike Ride through the Breacon Beacons in June, and the Cardiff Half Marathon in October.

But in order to say the best thank you I can I need your help!!! No donation is too small, and it will all make a huge difference to the lives of those who require the invaluable services of the ICU department in years to come. The cost of a bed in an ICU in Wales is almost £2000 a night, money that we don't have to pay thanks to our healthcare system, but equally which doesn't grow on trees. This money could make all the difference!

Thanks for reading