This year marks 10 years since I was a patient at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital.

At just 10 years old, I underwent major spinal surgery for double idiopathic scoliosis. Recovery meant relearning how to walk and move my body again, months of restricted mobility, and a long road back to strength.

During my time in hospital, I saw children fighting life-threatening illnesses. It left me deeply grateful that my condition, while serious, wasn’t life-threatening — and determined to give back.

Now, ten years on, I’m running the Scottish Half Marathon (instead of the Edinburgh Half Marathon) to celebrate how far I’ve come. Although scoliosis is something I’ll live with forever, it no longer defines what I’m capable of.

I’m running for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, who believe no child should face hospital alone. Every day, around 500 seriously ill children face frightening and potentially life-changing hospital visits — and with your support, the charity helps make those experiences more positive for children and their families.

If you’re able to donate, thank you for helping support children when they need it most.

Are you in?