Gemma Reckless

Gemma's fundraiser for Nottingham University Hospitals Charity

Fundraising for Nottingham University Hospitals Charity
⭐️ 2024 GoCardless JustGiving Awards Finalist
£8,403
raised of £4,000 target
William’s 4 Miles… 4 years on!, 3 March 2024

Story

In January 2020 at just 3 years old, William was struck down by sepsis. We came devastatingly close to losing him, but thanks to the incredible care and expertise of staff at Kingsmill Hospital and Queens Medical Centre, he pulled through.

However the sepsis caused irreversible damage to his little body and at the beginning of March 2020, he underwent surgery to amputate both legs and nine fingers. As horrendous as this was at the time, it marked the start of his recovery.

Since that time, we have always said we wanted to do something to give back to Nottingham Hospital Charities. They do such amazing work and it was because of them we were able to stay at the hospital, in a bedroom just down the corridor, in those early days and weeks he was in PICU, and the thought of leaving him was unbearable.

Up to now our focus has been on returning to some sort of normality and William’s recovery. However, as we approach 4 years since his amputations, William is making amazing progress, and is stronger and more motivated than ever. He has decided to take on a huge 4 mile challenge.

On Sunday 3rd March, he will be walking a full 2 miles, and cycling another 2 full miles, on his hand cycle, all in the same day. This is no easy challenge for him, his progress has been a rollercoaster, with his growth meaning he has constantly needed new prosthetics, time off of his legs, and a further amputation on his left knee in 2022.

The furthest he has ever walked at the time of writing this is 1.2 miles (and there was A LOT of moaning 😂) Mix that with an exhausting 2 mile cycle, it’s going to be quite the challenge for him. He will be spurred on by little sister Georgia, who has been his biggest motivator and helper since day 1.

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About the charity

Nottingham Hospitals Charity enhances patient care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s Queen’s Medical Centre & City Hospital. Donations help provide added extras such as improved facilities, equipment, research & staff development.Our website is www.nottinghamhospitalscharity.org.uk

Donation summary

Total raised
£8,402.13
+ £1,842.50 Gift Aid
Online donations
£8,402.13
Offline donations
£0.00

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