Thank you for visiting my Just Giving Page. I am running the Great North Run 2021 to raise money for the Critical Care Garden at James Cook Hospital, Middlesbrough.

The ICU garden has been a dream for many of the critical care team for sometime. A dedicated outdoor space that will not only offer patients and their families a safe, tranquil place to spend precious time together but to provide patients and staff (when not in use) with an outdoor psychological and emotional respite from their current extremely difficult and traumatic circumstances.

Often recovery after a critical illness is a long, uncertain time in what feels like a strange environment with unfamiliar objects, sounds and smells and harsh artificial lighting where day and night become one. 

As an Occupational Therapist, I believe that meaningful occupation, environment and wellbeing are central to a patient’s recovery and rehabilitation and share the view that the ability to reconnect with nature, loved ones and themselves in this safe haven is essential for our critical care patients.

Since joining the Critical Care Team in January 2020, I have had both the pleasure and privilege to work with some of the most amazing people including staff, patients and their families and want to help support this project and to make a difference. 

The garden location has been identified and is being designed by local artist Laura Johnston Studios, who has created a number of pieces for James Cook Hospitals and with the help, support and generosity of the local community is finally becoming a reality.

Please help me to support this appeal and sponsor me to run the Great North Run 2021. Note - I’m only really a fair weather runner 🙈 so may be walking in a lot places. Every penny helps and your contribution will make a difference 👍🏻 Thank you for your support!