Thank you for visiting my page! Below is a brief background on why I have decided to run my first marathon and why I have selected Chestnut Tree House as the charity. 

Working as a junior doctor on an acute medical ward during the second wave was emotionally, mentally and physically exhausting. Tasks included clerking in patients' unwell with COVID-19, providing  initial treatment and escalation plans (who would be a suitable candidate for ITU if further deterioration occurred & with the knowledge finite resources available). On a couple of occasions, I came across handwritten 'goodbye' notes within patient files that had been written by family members who had recently passed away from COVID-19 in the hospital, unable to say their precious goodbyes face to face. During this time, a good friend and key member of our local community was treated at the hospital I work in and, despite the best care, passed away from the virus at the premature age of 40 leaving behind his wife & three young children. The atmosphere at work has been tense, and staff members understandably becoming increasingly weary & curt as the weeks and months rolled on. The daily staff huddle's final question of 'Any checkout or celebrations' was met with silence for weeks in a row, and each day it happened it weighed heavy on all our shoulders (my amazing fiance baked some goodies just so I could pipe up at the huddle with something). Running has been a pivotal in maintaining my mental health so that I could consistently show up for both my patients, colleagues, friends and family during these testing times.

Government restrictions that have been in place throughout the pandemic has had a direct effect on money raised by charities for numerous reasons including cancelled events and closed shops. Before starting my journey pursuing a career in medicine, I used to volunteer at Chestnut Tree House. I was instantly made welcome by the team and was consistently blown away at the energy from the staff members, the facilities available for both children and their families. Times are tough but I am great believer that there is always something that we can all do to contribute to our community. The miles will get done regardless, but any sponsorship that you can offer & messages of encouragement will be most gratefully received. Please find below some further information about Chestnut Tree House, and if anyone has a story they would like to share on how the charity has supported them or family please do share.

Love Liv x

Chestnut Tree House is a children’s charity providing hospice care and community support for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.There are hundreds of children and young people in your local community who are unlikely to reach adulthood. And even more parents and family members who need care, help and support on their journey, as they do not know how long they will have together.Your help enables families to spend time together. Precious moments that give a lifetime of memories.