I'm fundraising for Alder Hey Children's Charity COVID-19 Appeal!

Alder Hey has tripled its intensive care capacity to support more of the North West’s most seriously ill children. The hospital's incredible staff are going above and beyond to guarantee patients receive the care they need in these most difficult times.

Why am I doing this? As a writer & creative practitioner, I've had the pleasure of working with both staff and patients at Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Arts for health is a HUGE part of the usual daily activities for patients at Alder Hey, with a multitude of creative practitioners usually at hand from writers to printmakers, magicians and musicians. Unfortunately due to Covid-19 and the absolute need to restrict non-essential visitors, these services will not be available to patients in the usual physical/in-person form for some time. 

Alder Hey Children's Charity Covid-19 appeal will fund things like play equipment, toys, arts and crafts that can be used individually by children in their own rooms, as well as additional psychological support to staff working during this extremely stressful and challenging situation. See more here: 

https://www.alderheycharity.org/covid-19-appeal/

I'll be supporting Alder Hey staff through an online "Writing for Wellbeing" course during this time: 

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/literature-and-science/wellbeing/ 

However, I'd really like to help raise vital funds to support staff and patients who are already often facing a difficult set of circumstances and need play resources and access to arts now more than ever. 

How will I do it? I'm fortunate enough to live a mere five minutes from the beautiful Trans Pennine Trail and Route 62 & several other good cycle routes in South Liverpool. I'm planning on cycling at least 10km per ride, and I would hope (a number) of people could sponsor me £10 or more per any 10k of the ride? Then we will be well on our way to the goal of £3440.00! I will remember to stay safe and adhere to all social distancing guidelines whilst cycling and provide updates & photos as I go along.