Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page raising money for The Friends of the William Harvey Hospital as I take on the Royal Parks Half Marathon challenge as a complete novice runner.

The charity I am running on behalf of holds a special place in my heart as it finances so many things that support the William Harvey Hospital. The WHH has provided care for every member of my immediate family and lots of friends too - whether it be childbirth, routine treatment, life-saving care and even tragically end of life care they’ve been there…and The Friends of the William Harvey Hospital sit quietly in the background supporting them in all they do.

A little background about me and why this challenge means so much to me. I have struggled with my weight for a very long time, and in 2021 I was awaiting a gastric bypass having been part of an NHS weight loss program for over 2 years previously. As a result of complications from the removal of my gall bladder (required before my weight-loss surgery) I was rushed into A&E at the William Harvey Hospital and was subsequently whisked down to theatre for emergency surgery. The hospital and staff did what they have always done for me, my family and friends and provided life-saving, compassionate care. After I was discharged, a very special nurse at my local surgery took me under her wing, and with her support I lost 6st without the need for additional surgery.

Then, earlier this year, Amy asked if I wanted to do a half marathon with her…I possibly should have laughed at the mere thought and politely declined, but instead I said yes, and here we are. Amy also asked Gemma and she too fancied the challenge so we formed a trio of non-runners providing emotional and motivational support to each other as we take on this marathon monster.

At my heaviest I wouldn’t entertain the idea of running any distance and yet here I am now, one month out from the race, feeling extremely grateful that I am completing distances I wouldn’t have thought possible even a few months ago.

I would be so grateful for any donations and especially words of encouragement and I invite you to come with me as I approach the last few weeks of my training and see just how far I can get…(hopefully all the way to the finish line in 13.1 miles!!)

With love, Jen x