In February 2020 my daughter Mercy was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis. This was a difficult time for us as all appointments and treatments were throughout covid times and we had no idea what was to come…

We found out she had a 55 degree curvature of spine and required surgery. The hospital we were allocated was the Evelina Childrens in London and so from there the process started. 

This hospital is unlike any other it is like a fun place to be for a child with no likeness to any other hospital even the bins are shaped like red London buses! All the doctors and nurses were so amazing and nothing was any trouble answering our questions and putting Mercy at ease. 

On the 23rd February 2021 we were admitted to the hospital and the operation was performed on the 24th. This was again still through covid but  hospital staff and her surgeon were so professional and really caring. She was looked after so well and I was supported too whilst being there on my own. 

Her operation and recovery was a complete success with her curve being corrected and her even growing 2cm taller!  We owe so much to this hospital.

She is a happy healthy girl who is thriving. She is now no longer self conscious of her curve and is proud of her scar as it’s a piece of her and a part of her life story.

I am running the marathon to help raise vital funds for this deserving cause so that all children and families experience the support and care we did and to help all children feel happy and at home whilst in hospital. Please do look at my pictures to see how Mercy’s spine was.

Every year more than 103,000 children and young people experience the wonderful warmth of Evelina London, which is part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. 

To give you an idea of the impact of your donation: £10 could help put a child’s mind at ease with imaginative toys, books and games that explain what happens in hospital. £100 could help the team put together amazing rucksacks full of distraction toys for every ward and department. £350 could buy even more DVD players with headphones and give every child the chance to escape into their favourite film.

Thank you so much for your support it means so much to me xxx