We are joining #TeamBrainAppeal and are challenging ourselves to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon and the Virgin Money London Marathon! As you will be aware both events have been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak but we have every hope of completing them in the not too distant future.

This will be Theresa’s third time running a marathon in aid of Queen Square, and she says, “I’m counting on Alexis to speed ahead to meet and greet the runners at the end, while I will carefully and slowly wend my way around the route making sure none of our runners have been left behind!  I’m so pleased the money we raise will go towards transforming the Neurorehab unit. The challenges that the people staying in the unit face – and work so hard to overcome – are so much
bigger than my marathon challenge."

This will be Alexis’s first ever marathon attempt. “I've been working as a fundraiser, supporting all the amazing people taking on challenges for the last four years, and now is the time to take on the challenge myself and lead by example! I see what an incredible charity this is first hand, and how the money we raise directly benefits patients here at The National Hospital – so I am determined to put in the ultimate effort!"

We are raising money for a redevelopment of The Neurorehabilitation Unit (NRU).

The NRU provides rehabilitation for people over the age of 16 with the
most severe life-changing brain and spinal cord disorders.

People admitted to the unit have a range of disorders including the most
severe form of stroke (which may have required neurosurgery to remove a large part of their skull to allow the brain to swell and recover), traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries, brain tumours, infections of
the brain (encephalitis or meningitis) or inflammatory brain disorders,
such as catastrophic relapses due to multiple sclerosis.

Many of the patients are young and in work or have the responsibility of a young family. It is essential, therefore, to work not only with them but
 also their families or carers to minimise the impact their devastating
condition or injury has on them and the people around them.

The plan is to redevelop the NRU to improve both the working and clinical environment for patients and staff, but most importantly to the day room which is the main living space and hub of the unit.

The redevelopment plan follows patient, family and staff feedback and is over and above what NHS funding could cover. Feedback from patients and families is consistently excellent regarding the staff and clinical treatment received, but often highlights issues such as the day room feeling cluttered, the lack of quiet or private space for people to spend time with their families, as well as the need for a designated play area for children who are visiting.

The high staff numbers sharing the space with 18 patients and their visitors can also be challenging as the NRU is a small space. Accessibility is crucial as most patients will, for a significant period of their stay, be in a wheelchair and this puts extra pressure on the demand for space. In addition, many patients have significant cognitive and communicative impairments and therefore the space must be easy to navigate and have clear designated areas for different functions. For example, having a quiet area where patients can enjoy time with their families and loved ones is essential at such an emotional time.

Likewise, the NRU can be a confusing place for families to visit. The redeveloped unit will include the creation of a reception area to allow our ward clerk to welcome and help visitors as they enter. This will also enable staff to monitor day room activity and who is leaving or entering the unit. This level of safeguarding is particularly crucial given the
vulnerability of the many patients with cognitive impairments.

Thank you so much in advance for your support!