Brooke's Barmy Army do the Great Manchester Run 2017

Melissa Taylor is raising money for Manchester Foundation Trust Charity

Participants: Mark & Melissa Taylor, Andy Banks, The Bruces, Simone & Andre Clarke, Dylan, Janet & Daniel Taylor, Katie Littler

Story

Raising money to fund reclining chairs on the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at RMCH.

Welcome to the fundraising page of Brooke's Barmy Army. You may personally know Brooke or it could be a friend of a friend or family that is taking on this challenge on her behalf and that is why you have stumbled across this page. You are all #RMCHeroes so thank you for your support.

BROOKE'S BARMY ARMY

Fifteen year old Brooke has been a patient at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital (RMCH) since the day she was born. Brooke underwent lifesaving surgery at 11 days old to remove a huge pelvic tumour. Brooke has undergone more operations than birthdays including more recent surgery to place titanium rods and screws into her spine to keep it from slipping out of place.

Last year Brooke was just old enough, by 2 days, to take on the Manchester 10k but under doctors orders she was unable to run it as her spine hadn't fused. This didn't stop her though. She completed the 6.2 mile city centre route, power-walking with her surgeon Mr Bruce by her side.

This year is different for Brooke because sport is very much back on the agenda, though running is tricky due to issues with her feet (give her a bike any day!!) Brooke is determined to increase the number of people in her team making it even bigger and better than last year. She has launched 'BROOKE'S BARMY ARMY' and is recruiting as many people as possible to join her on the day.

So far she has recruited 70+ people. 17 of these are attempting to run the 10k and 60 odd brass band buddies will be taking along their instruments and parping a tune or two to the enthusiastic onlookers as they make their way round the route. Brooke and her friends don't do things by halves!!

Brooke says, 'I have seen a lot whilst spending time in hospital and one thing I've learnt is the NHS are unable to fund lots of resources that would make a child's stay in hospital a more pleasurable one. This is where my fundraising efforts come in. Along with my team we aim to raise money to buy equipment that will help fellow patients. As a child, spending time in hospital can be hard, but it doesn't have to be that way. I hope my fundraising can help provide resources for children and their families that can make them smile whilst at RMCH'

'This will be a challenge for not only me but for all those who have agreed to be part of my team. We aim to raise awareness of the fantastic work that goes on at RMCH and rasie money to help others. I'm hoping a big sea of green, marching through the streets of Manchester will achieve that!!'

Brooke has chosen a fantastic project to raise money for. Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) - Reclining Chairs for Parents.

PICU has a total of 36 beds but due to the large amount of medical equipment required in each bedspace there is no room to provide a pull down bed for parents wanting to stay on the unit for extended periods of time whilst their child is in a critical condition (who wouldn't want to stay close by!?!)

The unit would like to support parents to hold their child in their arms whilst sitting at the bedside and ensure parents can remain at the bedside for extended periods of time comfortably.

As a family that has been there, the Taylor family know how important it is to stay together. Sometimes it is the only thing that can get you through such a frightening ordeal.

The total cost to make this happen is £11,842

Brooke is asking her Barmy Army to take on the challenge.

Challenge accepted???

With an army of 70+ soldiers.....who thinks we can SMASH this out of the water???

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you so much for your support

Brooke & her Barmy Army xx

#RMCHeroes