On 25 June 2026, my sister, Kerry Coombes, was driving her daughter, my niece, to school when their car was struck by a train in Hoghton, Preston. Tragically, Kerry died at the scene, while my niece was airlifted to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in a critical condition.

Since the accident, my niece has undergone multiple surgeries and has remained in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), receiving around-the-clock care. Throughout this unimaginable time, I have been overwhelmed by the compassion, professionalism and support shown not only to my niece, but to my entire family. Every member of staff has gone above and beyond to help us. No request has ever felt too small or too big, and their kindness, reassurance and willingness to help in any way possible has made an unbearable situation just that little bit easier to face.

I would love the opportunity to give something back to Alder Hey in recognition of the incredible care and support they have provided. I also want to help ensure that other families facing the most difficult moments of their lives receive the same exceptional care, compassion and reassurance that we have experienced. We have never once felt like a burden, and I hope to help Alder Hey continue making families feel supported, cared for and never alone during the hardest times.

As I write this, my niece remains in Alder Hey, and is now woring on her recovery and rehabilitation. Every day, the staff continue to fight alongside her and do everything they can to help her recover.

My family will be forever grateful for everything Alder Hey has done for us, and running the London Marathon for this incredible charity would be my way of saying thank you while helping ensure they can continue changing the lives of other children and families.