I know times are super tough at the moment for us all but I am attempting a World Record run (quickest half marathon dressed as a tree - PICU is also known as Forest Ward so it makes sense!) at the London Landmarks half marathon, in which I will run past the hospital. I am doing this because I want to raise money for the Play Therapy and staff team on PICU at Evelina, who saved Alana's life. When Alana was 9 days old, she was transferred to PICU Evelina with what turned out to be a virus which gave her meningitis, some damage to the centre of her brain and inflammation of the heart, as well as other "minor" ailments. Some of their team swiftly collected her from Medway hospital, ventilated her and we spent time in PICU at Evelina where they worked their magic - and hopefully she is now on the road to recovery. We still visit Evelina now for appointments and scans but thanks to the team there, and their quick actions and perseverance, Alana is still here, and improving.

The staff team on PICU work miracles and the money I raise for them will go directly to Forest Ward PICU, to support staff well-being and the play therapy which goes on there. 

Every year more than 103,000 children and young people experience the wonderful warmth of Evelina London, which is part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. They see first-hand the care and passion of the Evelina London team who are exploring new approaches and creating ground-breaking care for children and young people. Please support me to take on the 13.1 miles of the London Landmarks Half Marathon, dressed as a tree.

To give you an idea of the impact of your donation:

- £10 could help put a child's mind at ease with imaginative toys, books and games that explain what happens in hospital.

- £100 could help the team put together amazing rucksacks full of distraction toys for every ward and department.

- £350 could buy even more DVD players with headphones and give every child the chance to escape into their favourite film.

Thank you so much for your support!