On Sunday 15th March, I will be joining Deloitte colleagues running in the Bath Half Marathon. Our goal is to raise vital funds in support of the exceptional work carried out by the Bristol and Weston Hospital Charity.

As a parent of two children who both came into this world at St Mich's and have both received care at the Bristol Children's hospital, and proud husband of an awesome Bristol hospitals' doctor, I'm delighted for the opportunity to raise funds for this important charity!

The Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity supports the 10 hospitals of University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW).

Their primary mission is to make a real difference to the lives of patients, their families, and the staff who care for them, by providing funds for projects and initiatives that go above and beyond what the NHS can typically provide.

Specifically, the charity focuses on:

- Funding state-of-the-art equipment: This includes cutting-edge medical technology that enhances diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

- Supporting ground-breaking research: Investing in medical research to find new treatments and improve patient outcomes.

- Improving the hospital environment: Creating more comfortable, welcoming, and therapeutic spaces for patients and their families. This can include things like sensory rooms, garden spaces, or improved waiting areas.

- Enhancing patient experience: Providing amenities and services that make a patient's stay more bearable, such as specialist play equipment for children, art and music therapy, or comfort items.

- Supporting staff welfare and development: Funding training, wellbeing initiatives, and resources for hospital staff, recognising their vital role in patient care.

In essence, they aim to ensure that patients receive the best possible care in the best possible environment, while also supporting the dedicated staff who deliver that care.