Maya and I started Couch to 5k in May 2020 and we made slow but gradual progress. We were nearing the end of the program (though nowhere near 5k!)  and ran the first run of Week 9 on the morning of July 8th. Neve was admitted to hospital later that day and I didn't run again for many weeks. Eventually, I realised that, to my surprise, I missed running and that I could restart, with a view to doing the Children's Hospital 5 mile Fun Run, in March 2021. I started running again on September 8th, with a view to getting from the 3kms I could currently run, to 8km, by next spring.  A few friends offered to join me. 

However, before I knew it, we had decided to join The Great Big Hospital Charity Challenge, taking place in October 2020. It has been a serious challenge to get anywhere close to 8km, particularly as I keep missing my planned runs due to unexpected hospital appointments and/or self-isolating. But, when it feels tough, I remember what Neve is going through and I keep on going, because she has no choice. 

We have been overwhelmed with the support and care from the Children's Hospital at the JR, as well as from the Radiotherapy team at the Churchill Hospital, as we navigate our way through a brain cancer diagnosis and treatment. Neve is supported by a very large multi-disciplinary team, that seems to grow by the week. We could not live in a better place for accessing the medical care that Neve needs. So, I will keep on running, to run 8km for Neve, to help support the kind and compassionate care that she is receiving. 

From our team page:

Team Neve is all about supporting a remarkable 7 year old, Neve Tammam. Neve was diagnosed with brain cancer in July. She had surgery straight away and is now receiving treatment. Despite the pain Neve faces, her wonderful mummy Emily describes how Neve loves school, adventure, playing outdoors, climbing to the top of the climbing frame and speeding along the zip wire.

So, Neve has inspired us to be adventurous and set ourselves a challenge.

Emily and a group of her family and friends will be running or walking 8K at the end of October, to raise money for The Oxford Children’s Hospital, including Kamrans, the paediatric oncology ward at the JR. Neve has a large multi-disciplinary team caring for her and so we would like to raise money to support both Kamrans and the wider Children’s Hospital.

We chose 8k to mark Neve’s 8th birthday which will be in November. This feels special.

We would be very grateful for your support in helping Team Neve reach their goal. No amount is too small. Thank you.