Freya, (Lynsey's daughter and Sara's Niece) has been under the care of the Paediatric spinal unit at James Cook Hospital since she was a toddler when she was diagnosed with scoliosis. This progressed rapidly due to her also having a condition called Sotos Syndrome which makes her grow extremely quickly. Freya had to wear a rigid spinal brace for 23 hours a day throughout her childhood. This had to be changed regularly due to how fast she grew and she hated being casted for new braces but the team made sure that she was supported throughout.

In February 2025 Freya had spinal fusion surgery, again the team were amazing, ensuring that we were fully prepared as a family for what was going to come, they understood thay Freya is autistic and was very anxious and they ensured that both her and the wider family were fully comfortable at every stage. On the day of the surgery again the care and support for us as a family whilst she was in surgery was incredible.

Freya remained in hospital for a few days and everyone we encountered was so amazing.

The surgery has given her a new lease of life, and I now have to look up to her, she's got that much taller!

Her follow up care has also been second to none and whilst we can honestly never thank them enough, we can try to raise some funds to help the team continue to be able to support more patients in the future.

That's why myself and Sara will be completing the Great North Run this year to raise funds for the Paediatric Spinal Fund. We will also be adding in hikes and local 5 and 10k's in the run up to the big day.

Anything that you can donate is appreciated, it will be going to an incredible team! 🏨🏃‍♀️🏅

We will keep this page updated with our progress.

Thank you 😊

Thanks to your generous donations we are able to enhance patient care and the wellbeing of our incredible NHS staff by funding initiatives over and above what the NHS would routinely provide.

Whether it’s state of the art equipment, pioneering research or increased staff training, we’re committed to helping our local NHS go further. 💙