My friend Laura and I have decided to take part in the Vitality London 10k in support of Horatio’s Garden. The event was due to take place on Monday 25th May, however as a result of the uncertain and challenging times facing the UK as a result of Coronavirus it has now become a virtual event that will take place during the week of 24th October - 1st November.

That hasn't stopped us training throughout lockdown though and both of us are excited to take on the challenge this autumn! 

Now that the date of the event is looming, it would be amazing if you could donate whatever you can to support this brilliant charity. People with spinal injuries need your support more than ever during these incredibly difficult times, so anything you can give will make a real difference.

Below is Alex's little story about how she came to be fundraising for Horatio's Garden. Naturally, since Alex became involved with the charity, it's become important to Laura too, who often volunteers at fundraising events whenever she can.

Alex's Story

Since first being introduced to the charity by my friend at university, who fondly told me all about Horatio’s Garden South West in Salisbury and how it helped him throughout his rehabilitation, I have been both intrigued and inspired by all that the charity does. 

Horatio’s Garden create and nurture beautiful gardens in NHS spinal injury centres to support everyone affected by spinal injury. The charity grow thriving communities across the UK, which offer beauty, tranquility and comfort to patients, their families and friends facing long stays in NHS hospitals, often far from home. It also supports the NHS staff who help people as they adjust to living with life-changing injuries.

During my post-university job search, I was fortunate enough to come across the opportunity to work with Horatio’s Garden as the charity’s Communications Assistant, a position I love and that I’ve now been in for almost two years. Every single day I have the great privilege of being able to see and hear all about the incredible impact Horatio’s Garden has on the lives of people across the UK.

"The garden has provided a place of healing, a place to be alone, to think, to cry, to talk openly with family and friends, to meet other patients, to practice wheelchair skills, to let nature heal. The difference Horatio's Garden has made has been amazing." 

Running in the Virtual Vitality London 10k is just our little way of giving back to a charity that has given both ourselves and others so much.

Neither of us are accomplished runners, with Alex's Mum genuinely suggesting we seek professional race training help, but we can think of no greater motivator than fundraising for Horatio's Garden.

Thank you for all your support!

www.horatiosgarden.org.uk 

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.