I’m running this half marathon to raise money for Horatio’s Garden, a charity that has become incredibly special to our family.

Peter spent eight months in hospital last year, with six of those under the specialist care of the National Spinal Injuries Centre (NSIC), which was an incredibly difficult and emotional time for all of us. Throughout those long months, Horatio’s Garden became a sanctuary — somewhere we could escape the hospital environment, breathe, talk, and simply spend time together in beautiful surroundings.

The garden and its wonderful staff gave us so much support. They created a welcoming space where Peter could enjoy being outside and where our family could come together when life felt anything but normal.

Horatio’s Garden also gave us the opportunity to celebrate important family moments. We were able to gather together for birthdays and, most memorably, bring our family together to meet our first granddaughter. Those moments may sound simple, but during such a challenging period they meant absolutely everything to us.

The garden gave us somewhere to make memories during a time that could otherwise have been defined only by hospitals, uncertainty and worry.

I’m running this half marathon as a small way of giving something back to a charity that gave our family so much. I know that every donation can help Horatio’s Garden continue to provide these beautiful, restorative spaces and the support that makes such a difference to patients and their families.

Thank you so much for supporting me and helping me give back to a charity that has been such an important part of our journey.

People with spinal injuries need gardens like these. At Horatio’s Garden, we know this, and that’s why we build, care for and expertly staff transformative gardens at NHS rehabilitation centres. We know how critical they are to provide reflection and adjustment, privacy and solace, joy and companionship to all who need it.