For my sister's 40th birthday year, we have decided to take on a significant challenge: running the Great North Run 2025.

My sister has been Running as a cherished hobby of her for some time, and while she completed a half marathon four years ago for charity, this journey feels even more meaningful. Thank you to everyone who supported her then; your encouragement made a difference, and I hope you can support her again.

For me, this is a monumental challenge as I am not accustomed to running; my passion lies in roller skating with her local roller derby team. Together, we are stepping out of our comfort zones to raise awareness and funds for an incredible cause: WellChild. As parents ourselves, we wanted to help families that face challenges caring for their children with long-term or complex care needs due to illness or medical conditions.

WellChild Children's Nurses provide essential care and practical support to these children and their families. They play a crucial role in enabling children to leave the hospital and be cared for at home, alleviating the emotional, practical, and financial burdens that families often endure. Additionally, WellChild is dedicated to funding innovative projects that positively impact seriously ill children both now and in the future. One such initiative is WellChild's Helping Hands programme, which mobilizes volunteers from across the country to tackle essential projects in the homes of children facing serious illnesses—transforming spaces with bedroom and garden makeovers.

I invite you to join us on this journey by supporting our fundraising efforts for WellChild Great North Run 2025. Our target is £600, and every contribution counts towards making a real difference in the lives of these brave children and their families. Your generosity will help ensure that they receive the care they need while allowing them to thrive at home.