We are running the Cardiff Half for Harry’s Hat!

I am a Paediatric Neurosurgicial Clinical Nurse Specialist and Katie is a Paediatric Senior Staff Nurse. Both based in the children’s hospital for Wales in Cardiff, with 16 years experience between us. We work amungst a multidisaplinary team that cares for children under various specialists, one of those being the Paediatric Neurosurgeons. Many of these children develop a condition called Hydrocephalus.

Every year 1 in 770 babies will develop hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess fluid builds up in and around the brain. The excess fluid causes the ventricles (fluid-filled spaces) in the brain to enlarge. This puts pressure on the brain, and if left untreated can affect development or in severe cases, lead to permanent brain damage. There is no cure for the condition, only invasive treatment.  In many cases, this includes insertion of a shunt.

A shunt is a thin, flexible plastic tube which drains the excess CSF from inside the brain or spine, and circulates it to another location in the body to be absorbed. These children will rely on this for the rest of their life. Although, this device saves lives, it can come with complications which can cause a huge amount of distress and anxiety to the families of these children.

Harry’s Hydrocephalus Awareness trust (Harry’s Hat) is an amazing charity that provides support to the families of these children who are affected directly by Hydrocephlus. They have developed vital resources, provide connection, support research and raises awareness of the signs and symptoms of Hydrocephalus. They offer peer-to-peer support, so families feel less alone and can meet others from within their community who are going through the same. Which has been very beneficial and life changing for the families that we care for.

They are currently campaining for early diagnosis through their ‘get-a-head’ campaign. This campaign highlights the importance of head circumference measurments of infants as a tool for early diagnosis for Hydrocephalus.

We have seen first hand how the amazing work of Harry’s Hat has helped the families and children we have in our care. Because of this, we would like to raise as much money as we can from running the half marathon for Harry’s Hat to continue the important work that they do. Please find the Link below to our go fund me page and also to the Harry’s Hat website, instagram page and facebook page.

Diolch!

Lots of love,

Annie and Katie x

https://harrys-hat.org

https://www.instagram.com/harrys_hat_charity?igsh=YTdxamw2b21nNzdq

https://www.facebook.com/share/1E2s5x9eoq/?mibextid=wwXIfr