Royal Papworth Charity exists to support the ground-breaking work of Royal Papworth Hospital. The Charity plays a vital role in ensuring that the Hospital continues to provide the highest standards of care by investing in staff development, improving the Hospital environment for patients and supporting research into new ways of treating heart and lung disease. This is all made possible by the generosity of supporters.

I am running the Cheltenham Half Marathon because running has helped me so much since my dad passed away. In the early days, sleep was tough and I would often wake early and especially on Sundays (the day he died) and just keep thinking it was week number...since we lost him. Something needed to change and his last conversation with me and wishes for me to get back into running kept going through my mind. So Sunday mornings have become my running time. I built back up to non stop 5k's and then over the weeks kept going further. Running helped break the cycle of grief and focus on my dad's final wishes for me and what I now feel was his final gift to me. I decided to join Cheltenham Running club and have absolutely loved the sense of community and chance to build up my confidence, speed and distance with the support of others. It will be my 1 year anniversary since joining the club in September.

Running the Cheltenham Half marathon felt like the right challenge to set myself to celebrate a year of running with the club and to raise money for the outstanding hospital that cared for Dad. Even more fitting, it takes place on a Sunday morning. I still save my Sunday runs for myself. Time to contemplate and think about Dad. Often having chats to him as I run... recently those have been "how on earth have I hit 19K Dad!!" This Sunday run will be slightly different, sharing it with quite a few more people than usual! I am immensely proud to be running 21K and know dad would be too, although I can hear him saying "I didn't mean for you to go that far, what's wrong with the car?!".

I know I am doing this a little bit backwards, but I was so worried I wouldn't be able to run due to my dodgy knees! So rather than sponsoring me before, I would absolutely love it, if you would join in celebrating me finishing the half marathon by donating whatever you can to help me raise funds for Royal Papworth critical care unit.

Dad received outstanding care and support from the staff in the critical care unit who cared for him with respect and dignity throughout his stay and during his death. Their support and assistance to my mum & I during the difficult stages of saying goodbye was incredible and I will never forget or be able to thank them enough for their kindness especially to my mum in those final moments. Thank you for any amount you can donate to supporting this wonderful charity.

*EDIT*

I DID IT!! I completed the half marathon, smashing my goal time too! I completed it in 2 hours 23 minutes!! Which for a first timer, I am taking as a WIN! Thank you so much for all the donations and lovely comments and high fives, it really is very appreciated.