Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On Sunday 11th October (9 days from now - eeeek), I will be participating in the Birmingham Half Marathon. I would have loved to have said "I will be running the Birmingham Half Marathon", but that might be a bit ambiscious - I think jog/walk is a safer bet!! Rather than just doing it for my own enjoyment (??!!!), I will be covering just over 13 miles with a few of my fabulous work buddies to raise money for Birmingham Children's Hospital - specifically the Ward 12 Day Surgery Unit and the Cystic Fibrosis Team.

Back in July this year, my eldest son Oliver underwent a routine operation at the Children's Hospital. As a daunting experience for an adult - let alone a child - we were all really nervous about his stay in hospital... but our nerves were soon calmed once we entered the ward and met the amazing staff that work there. In fact, both the staff and facilities on Ward 12 were just brilliant. Oliver could paint, watch a DVD and amuse himself with the boxes of toys they had - all in the comfort of a playroom designed to cater for children of all ages. The staff even joined in with his play so that he (and we) felt reassured and relaxed before his operation. All of these facilities could then be transferred over to his bed on the ward, so that he continued to feel as relaxed as possible when he woke after the op. Half of the money raised from particpating in the Half Marathon will go towards helping the Ward 12 staff continue to provide a fun and relaxed environment for the many children they care for on a daily basis.

The second half of the money raised will be donated to the CF Team based at the Children's Hospital. Our close family friends Marcus, Claire and their son Joseph have visited the team on a regular basis since Joey was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at only a few weeks old. Since then, he has grown into a gorgeous little boy who is doing very well, thanks to the fantastic professional support both he and his parents have received from the CF Team. The money donated will go towards helping the team continue the support they provide to Joey and many other children with this currently life limiting condition. 

So, if you would like to continue and make a donation, I thank you very, very much!! And if you're not busy on the morning of Sunday 11th October, come down to cheer us on and celebrate afterwards with a drink or two!!

Jem xxx