This October, I’ll be taking on City Climb at Hudson Yards in New York City — the highest open-air building ascent in the world. Harnessed to the side of a skyscraper, I’ll step out onto a ledge at 1,271 feet, with no barrier in front of me.

I’m doing this to raise £13,750 to fully fund a Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) Leadership Scholarship — so that another nurse, midwife, or health visitor can access the same transformational opportunity I’ve had.

About the Florence Nightingale Foundation

The Florence Nightingale Foundation exists to develop and support nurses and midwives to become influential leaders in health and care.

They provide:

- High-impact leadership development programmes

- Scholarships for innovation, research, digital, policy, and global health

- Equity-focused leadership pathways for underrepresented groups

- Access to coaching, mentoring, and professional networks

- A strong alumni community working across all four UK nations

Their work is rooted in improving patient care by supporting the leadership potential of those who deliver it. The Foundation actively champions inclusion, visibility, digital transformation, and health equity — ensuring nursing and midwifery leadership has a credible voice at every level of decision-making.

What the Scholarship Has Done for Me

Before I started the Florence Nightingale Foundation scholarship, I didn’t view myself as a leader.

I had significant responsibility in my role, but I lacked confidence. I often felt like I didn’t belong at senior tables, even when I was invited.

Since joining the programme, I’ve gained:

- Clarity about my leadership identity and values

- Confidence to challenge, influence, and speak up

- Access to senior mentors who’ve helped me grow

- A national network of scholars and peers across professions and systems

- Time and support to reflect, develop, and lead authentically

The impact has been personal and professional. I’ve since led award-winning work in digital inclusion, patient safety, and maternity transformation — and I do it with a completely different mindset than before.

This scholarship has been the most valuable professional development opportunity of my career.

Why City Climb

As part of my scholarship, I’ll be travelling to New York and Boston to explore how digital innovation and artificial intelligence are being used to transform healthcare — closely aligned to my work in digital maternity leadership in Wales.

While in New York, I’ve committed to taking on City Climb at Hudson Yards — the highest open-air building ascent in the world. City Climb involves scaling the outside of a skyscraper at 1,271 feet, harnessed to a track system, with no handrails in front of you. You physically climb exposed stairs along the edge of the building, and lean out over the city from its highest platform.

This is not a stunt. I’ve chosen this challenge because it reflects the discomfort, visibility, and courage that leadership often demands.

I’ll be completing the climb by lamplight, as a personal nod to Florence Nightingale’s legacy — and to what it means to be visible in the dark, both literally and figuratively. Leadership isn’t always comfortable. Often, it’s quiet, exposed, and requires you to take a step forward when it would be easier to stay back.

The Goal: £13,750

My aim is to raise £13,750 — enough to fully fund a place on the Florence Nightingale Foundation’s Emerging Leadership Scholarship Programme.

This funding will give another nurse, midwife, or health visitor the opportunity to:

- Develop their leadership capability

- Access expert coaching and mentoring

- Explore their personal and professional identity

- Build the confidence to lead change in their area of practice

- Join a growing network of FNF Scholars making an impact across the UK

The Florence Nightingale Foundation removes barriers that often prevent people from stepping forward as leaders — especially those who are underrepresented, overlooked, or working in stretched services. That’s why this fundraising matters.

How You Can Help

Every donation — large or small — will go directly to the Florence Nightingale Foundation to support another future leader.

I’ve experienced first-hand how impactful this scholarship can be. I really want to give this gift to another leader to enable them to grow. If you’re able to support this goal, thank you — it really will make a difference.

Cheri