I'm taking on the iconic TCS London Marathon with #TeamNorthCare!

Through my professions as an NMC Nurse and Royal Navy Medic and in a personal levl as Mel a big sister, a mum, a partner , a friend , someone to call , caring for people has always been at the heart of everything I do. Being able to give something back to the organisation that supports my community ,hospitals and colleagues proudly served would mean so much to me.

NorthCare Charity helps Northern Care Alliance (NCA) NHS Foundation Trust deliver outstanding care across Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and Salford by funding innovative equipment, education, research and wellbeing activities.

For the past six years, I have worked within the Northern Care Alliance across Community services in Oldham , Rochdale Infirmary, The Royal Oldham Hospital and Fairfield General Hospital and the Covid pandemic. During this time, I have witnessed first-hand the incredible care, compassion and dedication shown by NHS staff every single day. I’ve also seen how charities like NorthCare make a real difference by providing funding for equipment, research, education and staff wellbeing that goes beyond what the NHS can provide alone.

Running has been a huge part of my life for over ten years. My passion for it began during my time as a young medic in the Royal Navy, where fitness, resilience and determination became part of who I am. Since then, I have completed a number of half marathons and 10K races and continue to run two to three times a week, usually covering between three and six miles so this will be my longest run yet. I hope my beed for the gym and first season of Rugby-league will aid my fitness and determination to see through the challenge I have committed to completing in an aid to raise funds to help others.

Fundraising has always been something I enjoy and take pride in. At just 19 years old, while serving with the Royal Navy, I completed a 30-mile weighted march in Oban for BBC Children in Need. Since then, I have taken part in the National Three Peaks Challenge for Challenge the Wild, supporting mental health of veterans and raised money for the Violet-Grace campaign for Victim Support, and completed Race for Life on multiple occasions.

Representing NorthCare Charity would be an immense privilege. It would allow me to combine my passion for running with my commitment to nursing and give something back to the hospitals and community services that have been such an important part of my career. I hope to make my colleagues, patients and the communities across Rochdale, Oldham, Bury and Salford proud while helping NorthCare continue its incredible work supporting patients and NHS staff for years to come.

Any donation you are able to make from as little as £1 will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Love from Mel 🏃🏼‍♀️ 👩‍⚕️ 🎉