My name is Natalie. I’m a Critical Care Outreach Nurse and, in my spare time, I train in Karate with Karate Leadership UK. I’m currently working towards my 2nd Dan Black Belt — a significant milestone that requires not only technical skill but a high level of physical and mental resilience.

As part of my assessment, I will complete:

4,000 push-ups

4,000 sit-ups

4,000 mountain climbers — all within 8 weeks

On top of that, I must demonstrate technical competence across all the techniques and katas I’ve learned throughout my journey so far. The final stage is a demanding 4-hour fitness drill, which concludes with 1,500 punches and 1,500 kicks.

This process is as much about discipline, perseverance, and focus as it is about physical strength. It’s a personal challenge that reflects everything I value both in my profession and in martial arts — commitment, consistency, and pushing through even when it’s tough.

I’ve chosen to use this opportunity to raise funds for The Three Wishes Project , a cause that means a great deal to me. Your support will not only help a worthy cause, but it will also keep me motivated through every part of this challenge.

Thank you for taking the time to read and consider supporting.

— Natalie

The 3 Wishes project began in Canada in 2013 and has been adopted across the world. EKHUFT is the first UK Trust to introduce this project, and we hope it will bring comfort to our patients and their families: sharing kindness and compassion at the end of someones life when, despite everyones best efforts, it has not been possible to save them.

The Critical Care team works with patients and loved ones to honour and celebrate them as an individual and to fulfill their wishes as they approach the end of their life.

The project gives patients the chance to reflect on their lives, and to identify what matters most to them. It allows families to spend precious time with their loved one, creating meaningful moments in those last hours and days. Each wish is a simple, personalised request reflecting a patients passion or need as they approach the end of their life.

The 3 Wishes project is funded entirely by donations to East Kent Hospitals Charity.