Over the last 2 years my daughter Nicolle has recieved care from the children's orthopaedic department at the Great North Children's Hospital (GNCH). This care was due to a serious bone ailment, where a non-cancerous tumour destroyed her hip joint, resulting in the joint collapsing and Nicolle being unable to walk. Nicolle received care which incoporated several surgical procedures with care still ongoing. The care which was offered to Nicolle was not only professional, supportive but also personal showing the human side of those involved, which I know Nicolle found strength from. The field of orthopaedic's in not as fashionable as other areas of medicine and private funding is not as widespread due to this, this despite the clear importance mobility is to humans, especially children. After spending a large amount of time at GNCH I have seen many youngsters with life changing illness and injuries and have seen the hard work that staff put in, I want to say thank you!
In addition, my friend Darren, who I met through work, is involved with the transplant games team at GNCH through his stepdaughter Alice. Alice was born in 2001 with her kidneys not working and in renal failure, she had to go through dyalisis until she was 7, when she then went through a kidney transplant. Due to additional problems she has since gone through over 30 operations which has included brain surgery and orthopaedic operations (this stemming from her bones being effected from the renal failure). Over recent years Alice has been able to build her strength, enabling her to successfully attend the British transplant games as part of the GNCH team. The team encorporates other kidney and bone marrow transplant children from GNCH. This team helps forge confidence, support and fulfill sporting achievement to a group of exceptionally courageous youngsters. This team can't fund itself it needs support.
Darren and I pooled our thoughts and set ourselves this challenge. National 3 peaks in under 24h