On Saturday 16 September, I will be taking on the 18 mile Great Hospital Hike to fundraise for King's College Hospital Charity in appreciation to a wonderful team of staff, led by Consultant Neurosurgeon Jose Pedro Lavrador for continuing to treat Mum after saving her life last year.

Our story started in March 2022, which can be found on last year's hike page (https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/greathospitalhike202218miles-sarahellison) and in the updates.

This year, Mum has needed two further surgeries and has spent around 2 months in King's.  One was to fit a shunt as fluid wasn't properly draining away from around her brain and the second was to adjust the shunt when we realised it wasn't working as it should.  Not to mention the seizure that Mum had in between the two operations as well.

Unfortunately, as a result of the first surgery, she lost the use of her dominant arm and hand and with the lack of activity in the time leading up to her re-hospitalisation, she was generally much weaker too.  Therefore, she needed to get some more inpatient rehab.  Last year, Mum went to Orpington Hospital for rehab, but they didn't have a bed for her in the right timeframe this time around.  Instead, King's worked to find her a space elsewhere, which transpired to be Hothfield Neuro Rehab Centre in Ashford, Kent.

Mum has spent 3 months there this year and was discharged less than a month ago.  Whilst getting much stronger and able to walk a short distance without a walking stick, there is still a lot of work that needs to happen with her physical and mental health recovery.  All of this is ongoing with the fabulous support of a private neuro physio team based in Sevenoaks.

This year's walk is slightly different for me...  I will be doing the full 18 mile route and in wonderful news, Mum and my sister have signed up to do the last 4 miles with me.  Even if Mum doesn't make the full distance, I'm beyond proud that she even wants to attempt it.  Mum will cross the finish line with me this year, not just be there to meet me.

For my Mum, my hero.

10 July 2023