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How I have ended up in this challenge to row from Ireland to Wales is a long story, but it was agreed one evening with a friend after a bit of wine. The next morning I was still completely intrigued by the uniqueness and enormity of this challenge and after a short interview I became part of the 10 people, and 2 crew members, who will take on the Irish Sea in August 2023 for 4 days and 3 nights. 

Those who know me, know I am not a rower. My first time rowing on water was in December 2022 and I have since been getting some coaching with the wonderful Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club. This is the biggest challenge I have ever taken on, in a sport that is completely new to me. Please read on to find out why I am trying to raise money for the Paediatric Department at Derriford Hospital via the 'Plymouth Hospital Charity'. 

William was born in February 2021 - our 3rd baby - and just a gorgeous addition to our family. When William was 8 weeks old he became extremely poorly. At first I thought it was just a virus, something that his two older siblings had lovingly shared, but he didn't improve. William deteriorated quickly, became sleepy, his fever was continually high, his skin was mottled, his hands and feet were cold, and he wasn't feeding. We rushed to Derriford A&E, and were told that William was fighting a serious infection and had Sepsis. At that moment, it felt like the ground was falling beneath us, I will always remember saying to the Consultant "William will be OK though, right?" Her reply, as she gently put her hand on my shoulder, was "we will do everything we can". This particular moment will stay with me forever, as the seriousness of the situation became apparent. William was moved to the Paediatric High Dependency Unit and underwent IV treatment and many many tests. 

Luckily, due to the amazing care we received William was discharged from hospital a week later, but we didn't have answers as to why he became so ill. Unfortunately at 12 weeks old, William became ill again, but because my husband and I were on such high alert (and now also paranoid parents), William was admitted to the paediatric ward for another week, still poorly but not critical. This time we had time on our side which allowed William to undergo many tests.  The Doctors were able to pinpoint the source of the infections to his kidney and a treatment plan was established. 

During our time at Derriford in the Paediatric Department, William had access to so many additional things that made our stay and his recovery better. The nurses bought us lights, toys, music, and sensory items for him. We made use of the play room together, and I made use of the vital 'parents room' that allowed me to have essential and much needed moments of rest and sleep. Furthermore, we encountered so many high tech machines, and equipment that were used to help monitor and diagnose William. 

If I can complete this rowing challenge and at the same time raise some money to donate to the Paediatric Department at Derriford Hospital, I know it will help the Paediatric team to be able to purchase additional items that are so incredibly important. A dedicated team of Nurses and staff choose how to spend the charitable donations, making sure the department purchases items that will directly benefit the families and children that pass through these doors each day.

So, please give what you can, even a small amount will help make me realise that this challenge is real, its big, and the more I raise the more it will help me through my training and the big adventure itself!

Thank you so much for reading!  - Much Love Ruth x

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