We are a group of second year student nurses from Sheffield Hallam University. As part of the curriculum, university has put together a simulated placement block to allow us 6 weeks dedicated to time developing further knowledge and clinical skills that will enhance our practice. Our professional governing body, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, award us hours for this block that contribute to the 2300 hours of clinical work that we must have completed by the end of the degree to be registered nurses.

For this placement, we could do anything we wanted that would make a difference to the people in our local communities. We have chosen to support the charity, Aurora. This charity provides free, holistic services for patients and their families whose lives have been affected by cancer. They work from sites that are based in Doncaster, Bassetlaw and Mexborough. This charity is one that has supported one of our own families and made a dark time that little bit more bearable. Unfortunately, cancer is not something we will ever escape as a community, so as student nurses, we felt it was right to support a charity that helps so many patients that we come across out in practice.

For us to support this charity, we will each be walking 10,000 steps every day for the next 6 weeks while we complete this placement block. As student nurses, it was important to us that we fundraised for this charity by doing something that promotes healthy habits and supports mental health. Our progress will be posted daily on our social media page so that people can see our journey. We would be so grateful for any donations that can be made so that we can help to fund some of the work that this charity does. If you are unable to donate, sharing our page would be just as great support so that we can get the word around about what we are doing.

Alongside our fundraising, we will work with a local school to produce pieces of artwork representing things that make the children happy. These will then be distributed across the charity sites and used to bring a bit of light into patients' lives.

All our love, thanks and appreciation,

Emily, Lara and Evie x