On the 23rd April 2023 I will finally be running the London Marathon after three very long years. I first secured my marathon place in the ballot for 2020 - the year I turned 50 and also the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. Well, 2020 certainly turned out to be a memorable year, but not for the momentous 50th celebrations that I had planned!

The last three years have been the most challenging and difficult of my career. A time which brought the best out of my profession, but sadly for some at cost. So, for me running the London Marathon on the 23rd April will be a pivotal moment. Having halted my 2020 training to lead our pandemic response, crossing the finish line will feel like finally bringing things to a close.

During the last three years I have worked with many inspirational people and teams and had numerous memorable moments. So with this in mind and to help while away the 5.30 - 6.00 hours that the marathon will take I have decided to dedicate each mile to a person / team / moment and see where my mind takes me.

The following list is not exhaustive and please don't be offended if your not on there, it's been quite difficult narrowing it down. For confidentiality I have kept peoples names out, but I think if it's you - you'll know:

Mile one: TR and our amazing Infection Control teams. For being the first people to say the word "Wuhan" and for your resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Mile two: PG our CIO. For first teaching me to use Microsoft teams giving me the skill and ability to lead social distancing by example.

Mile three: DR former DDON. For polishing my professional pride and inspiring me to wear my cape.

Mile four: TR, RH, & EW, three amazing medical colleagues who taught me the power of multi-professional leadership.

Mile five: The organisational development team for their continued phenomenal distribution of freebies, on-going support and amazing trolley rounds.

Mile six: PB, Head of IPC, for learning to live with me asking "what’s the art of the possible" and talking about "balancing risk".

Mile seven: LW, for being the right person, in the right place at the right time - my right hand woman. I will never forget.

Mile eight: SR, MS, & KH, core members of the senior nursing team for your patience with my crazy ideas! and the strength to rein me in.

Mile nine: Our incredible Matron team old and new, for your humility, patience and leadership. I doth my cap to all of you.

Mile ten: CC, just one of our amazing clinical leaders who for me represents you all. But in particular for showing me the strength and determination of all our nursing staff.

Mile eleven: LM for your kindness and support in looking out for me, for always thinking of others and for your teams amazing rapid induction skills!

Mile twelve: KA CPO, for your visibility in times of adversity, for listening to understand and of course for the amazing cakes!

Mile thirteen: MH my counterpart, for being my polar opposite, keeping me level and most importantly because I know you won't mind being 13.

Mile fourteen: for our communications team, for changing messages, TV appearances, crazy Christmas competitions and ribbons!

Mile fifteen: for every volunteer who attended the Trust, handed out face masks and turned to when we needed you. Seeing you each morning was like being greeted by an old friend.

Mile sixteen: CR and KH Bournemouth (HONs), for your continued support and humour during, late nights at work. Who can forget ducks on the roof and hot cross buns in the toaster!

Mile seventeen: The Florence Nightingale Foundation and my amazing mentor (author of the Francis Report) who gave such sensible advise and kept me grounded.

Mile eighteen: PS CNO, for having faith in my leadership ability when at times I didn't. I've never forgotten the Ally McBeal analogy.

Mile nineteen: For all NHS staff, who lost their lives or had their lives irreparably changed.

Mile twenty: LA HON, for coining the phrase "who's getting the clap tonight". Twenty is a notoriously difficult mile and I'll need a laugh.

Mile twenty one: for all our amazing UHD staff for surviving the last three years in the best way you could. So many amazing stories and so much learnt.

Mile twenty two: Brightside Running and Sustain Therapy for putting my legs back on straight.

Mile twenty three: All the MOD staff who came at just the right time, with just the right attitude. We will never forget the difference you made.

Mile twenty four: DD and the Unstoppables for your support in my weight loss journey. I sure am glad not to be lugging that suitcase round the course with me.

Mile twenty five: for Graham my incredibly kind, patient, tolerant and loving husband.

Mile twenty six and the point two: I'm keeping this just for me, to reflect on all that I have achieved and all I hope to achieve in the future.

My current fundraising initiatives (virtual 5Ks) for Cavell are now done (one more to go) however the charities work continues and is needed now more than ever. So, if having read my story you feel able to make a small donation of 10p a mile, (just £2.62) the equivalent of a cup of coffee, it would not only be gratefully received by Cavell, but would also spur me on through those miles.

See you all on the other side. Fiona x

This is the standard citation for Cavell Nurse's Trust:

Cavell Nurses' Trust are here for UK Nurses, Midwives and HCAs, whether working or retired, with money and support when they are living through personal or financial hardship, often because of illness, domestic abuse, disability, working poverty and older age.

Put simply, we’re ‘Here for Nurses’.