Why I'm Running 200km in August: Supporting Maternity Services at Doncaster Royal Infirmary

In September 2024, I made a life-changing decision to undergo gastric sleeve surgery. It was the start of a new chapter, which is one focused on health, strength, and reclaiming my future. By January 2025, I took my first steps into running. What began as short, cautious jogs has now turned into a real passion. Today, I run around 80km a month, and I’ve set myself a new challenge: to run 200km throughout the month of August. With an aim to raise £2,500 for an ECG machine for the maternity unit at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, through Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals Charity.

This isn’t just about pushing my physical limits, it’s about giving back to a service that supported me through my training to become a midwife and supports some of the most vulnerable and precious moments in people’s lives. You might be surprised to learn that the maternity unit doesn’t have its own ECG machine. When a pregnant patient needs to have cardiac investigations, the team currently has to borrow equipment from another department, which can cause delays in vital care. Raising this money means the unit is able to purchase its own machine, allowing for quicker investigations and better care for patients.

So, as I train, sweat, and push through those long runs this August, I’ll be thinking of the mums-to-be who deserve better access to life-saving tools right where they need them. This is where you come in.

Every donation, every share, every word of support brings us closer to making sure our maternity team can provide the best possible care; quickly and safely, without having to wait or rely on borrowed equipment.

Pregnancy is a time of joy, hope, and sometimes concern. Our maternity staff work tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of every mum and baby. With your help, we can give them the tools they need to do that job even better.

So, whether you've been inspired by my running journey, or you simply believe, like I do, that our local maternity services deserve the very best, please consider supporting this campaign.

Together, we can make sure no mum has to wait longer than she should.

Thank you, you are amazing!!