RUHX, formerly known as The Forever Friends Appeal, is the official NHS charity of the Royal United Hospitals Bath. Our mission is to make our community healthier, happier, and stronger for the future by supporting the extraordinary work that leads to exceptional care for everyone.

The Bath Centre for Pain Services is a national pain rehabilitation programme run from Bath Royal United Hospital. It provides a vital pathway for helping those living with chronic pain.

My daughter’s journey began with what seemed like a simple backache two years ago. We thought a brief rest from gymnastics would suffice, but her story unfolded very differently. She loved gymnastics and competed successfully for her club Xcel in the Disability pathway, even winning a silver medal on bars at the B competition, British Disability Championships. Disability gymnastics on the south coast—remains strongly represented today.

However, everything changed when her back pain started. Born with a Congenital Pars Defect—unknown to us until an x-ray was taken—her condition became severely painful over time. Unlike typical cases where such defects heal or cause no issues, her pain has persisted for over two years, drastically impacting her life. Imagine going from participating in five sports weekly to none overnight; imagine school and friendships disrupted by constant appointments and pain averaging 7 out of 10.

The struggle has been long and challenging, facing disbelief from GPs and hospitals who insisted "a pars defect will heal and not be painful." After two years of fighting with amazing NHS physios, through increasing pain and giving up most activities she loved, she is now under the care of Great Ormond Street Hospital. They have been exceptional in their support, and she is soon scheduled for spinal fusion surgery to stabilize her back—a step she eagerly anticipates so she can attend school without being overwhelmed by pain.

Just recently on our journey, we were exceptionally lucky to secure a referral to The Bath Centre for Pain Services’, a residential rehabilitation program. This incredible team provided compassionate care over three weeks that empowered my daughter with psychological tools to manage chronic pain effectively. She learned to take responsibility for her pain and reclaim control over her life—skills that have transformed how she communicates her needs at home and school. With their continued help Madeleine can enjoy a healthy play/rest balance.

All the staff at BCPS from the healthcare assistants, through to the Occupational therapy, Physio and Psychology teams were amazing, and didn't for one moment stop in ensuring Madeleines needs and welfare were looked after.

They are a small unit, doing big things, that mean so much to the families they have helped. Any spare donation, no matter how small would benefit them enormously.

As I prepare to participate in Race to the King 2026 marathon, a 50km run for me, on 20 June 2026, I am fundraising for The Bath Centre For Pain Services with a target of £500. Your support will help continue vital programs like these that change lives every day. Please join me in making a difference—every donation brings hope closer for those battling chronic conditions like my daughter’s.