This summer I've signed up to take part in the Virtual Great North Run in aid of ELHT&Me, my local NHS hospital charity, to help raise much needed funds to enhance patient and staff experience across East Lancashire Hospital NHS Trust.

Working as a fundraiser for ELHT&Me, I look forward to organising and taking part in fundraising challenge events, as well as supporting our wonderful supporters as they do their own events. 

Of course, COVID-19 has had other plans for us all this year, and the events I would have been involved with or helped arrange have not happened. 

I was delighted when the organisers of the Great North Run announced they had created the Great North Run Reimagined and were organising a virtual experience for runners and fundraisers this year. I used to hate running and couldn't understand the people I would see jogging the streets but during lockdown running has been part of my survival strategy.. think we all needed something!!

I have stopped being someone who never runs and am becoming someone who is able to do something she never thought she could. This is really showing me that you can always achieve more than you think you can and that the only limits are what we impose on ourselves. 

I'm really proud to be doing this challenge to support ELHT&Me and  would really appreciate it if you could sponsor me on my JustGiving page. Every little will help! Donations help provide added extras such as improved facilities, equipment, research & staff development, above and beyond standard NHS funding, that make a real difference to patients, their loved ones and the staff who care for them. Thanks so much for your help - and stay tuned for updates!