Hello,

As many of you may already know, I will be running in the New York Marathon on November 3rd 2019! I'll be raising money for Sheffield Children's Hospital which is one of four dedicated children's hospital trusts in the UK, and does some amazing work across the country!

I have chosen this charity due to my family connection with the hospital. My father was the Finance Director for the hospital and dedicated the last few years of his life to managing a £40 million world class wing development which was recently opened by Prince Harry. He was a proud supporter of the hospital and spent much of his spare time fundraising for the project, whether that be spending Sundays baking desserts for cake sales, or organising a charity concert for 2000 people at Sheffield City Hall. Unfortunately he died before seeing the completion of the project, however his legacy will remain in the development which will help so many children across the country.

Why the New York Marathon? : My Dad always encouraged me to be active and participate in as much sport as possible. After going on a family holiday to New York when I was 15, he stated that he would only pay for me to go back if I ran the NYC marathon (as encouragement for me to stop being a lazy teenager!). We had the same conversation every year whereby I would decline the offer, and promise that I would partake the following year. Dad died suddenly in 2013, on November 3rd, which happens to be the day of the marathon, so I will be running it in his memory.

I would be so grateful for any donation you can give. 100% of the proceeds will be going directly to Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity and the amazing work they do.

Thank you,

Jess x