I am excited to share my journey as I take on a remarkable challenge in 2025 – The Great Bristol Run. But, this run is not just about personal achievement; it's about making a difference in the lives of children who need our help. I am running to support an incredible cause - The Grand Appeal.

Our youngest boy Max, has spent over 8 months as an inpatient in hospital over the last 5 years (and counting!)

That is:

247 days

5928 hours

355,680 minutes

of receiving life saving, life changing and specialist care.

Max has shown incredible strength, resilience and determination over that period with 10 surgeries to date, including 5 open heart surgeries and several challenging recovery periods.

Bristol children’s hospital has helped Max to work through complex cardiac problems, infections, sepsis, a stroke, tension pneumothorax, lung collapses, diaphragm palsy - just to name a few.

The expertise, medical care and support to both Max and us as a wider family has been truly invaluable. Bristol children’s hospital has been our home in the darkest times and some of the biggest “fist pump in the air” times - we really couldn’t have done it this far without them. We know going forward into the future, Max will continue to need their support.

This is why it’s our turn to be strong and resilient - it’s our turn to give back and to help fund specialist teams, care, machinery and environments so they can continue to help so many other children and families who desperately need it. To need help from services like this is never something you plan for, which is why it’s so important we support them as much as we can!

We have a selection of amazing family members who have signed up to the The Great Bristol Run 2025 10K, as well as Nath and myself to help raise some money for The Grand Appeal Charity, who directly support Bristol Children’s Hospital.

None of us are “runners”, so it will be a challenge but we are all in it together and would love your support for this fantastic cause!!

If you made it this far - thank you!

About The Grand Appeal:

The Grand Appeal is a charity that works tirelessly to transform the lives of children at Bristol Children's Hospital. They fund groundbreaking medical equipment, vital facilities, and life-changing arts and play programs, all with the goal of providing world-class care for young patients and their families. The Grand Appeal ensures that every child who steps into Bristol Children's Hospital receives the best possible care, and I am honored to be a part of their team