I’ve applied several times over the years for a ballot place in the London Marathon and I’ve finally got lucky! Marathon running has always been part of my life, my Dad ran several marathons back in the 1980’s, including the London twice and the Swindon twice. His fastest time for the London was 3 hours 30 mins, amazing! I’m hoping to plod round in around 6!!

GWH have always been there for me and my family. My second baby was born there in 2006. My Mum went through her chemotherapy there in late 2011 before she sadly passed away in October 2012. My Dad spent 6 weeks in ICU (10 weeks altogether) over Christmas 2016 with severe acute pancreatitis and beat all expectations and is still with us. He attends the Ambulatory Care Unit every three weeks for an asitic drain and the staff are always so patient, kind and helpful.

I looked through the current fundraising appeals and this is the one that drew me in as it would help so many people. I would be over the moon to raise enough funds to provide Droplet Hydration Aid Cups for 3 wards, that’s 18 cups at £27.60 each. More info below!

Thank you for your support.

Sally x

The droplet cup is an innovative device that makes it easier for patients to stay hydrated, and easier for carers and health care professionals to detect if a patient isnt drinking regularly. In particular those who need additional support to say hydrated, such as the elderly or those suffering from Dementia, Alzheimers or the effects of a stroke  

The base unit plays a message and flashes to remind users to drink rather than rely on carers or nurses to remind them. Family members or carers can record their own personalised messages (particularly helpful if the patient’s first language is not English). On a ward, the flashing base unit can be seen from a distance, so nursing staff can quickly see who has not been drinking.

Many patients admitted to the Great Western Hospital are at risk of poor hydration. This can inhibit their recovery, lengthen their stay in hospital and can even affect their survival.

Drinking plenty and keeping hydrated is essential for everyday health and fitness, but it's even more important when recovering from illness or injury.