Running for Rosie - Supporting QEF

On the 31st of March 2023, my mum Rosie suffered a catastrophic head injury that led to a brain bleed, leaving her paralysed. While in the hospital, she began to show slow signs of improvement, and we had hope. Conversations with doctors started about transferring her to a rehabilitation centre—the Queen Elizabeth Foundation (QEF) in Leatherhead, a place that specialises in helping people with disabilities, those recovering from strokes, and head trauma survivors like my mum.

Tragically, before she could make it to QEF, my mum's health deteriorated, and she very sadly passed away. We were and still are heartbroken. However, a few months later, I spoke to a couple of lovely friends (Chris and Sally) who, unbeknown to me, greatly support QEF and the work they do. Chris very kindly introduced me to the fundraising team at QEF and it felt like fate when they offered me the opportunity to run in support of this incredible rehabilitation centre.

Though my mum sadly never made it there, knowing QEF existed gave us hope and light during such a difficult and dark time. Now, it feels meaningful to run for them in her honour.

In April 2024, I ran the London Marathon on the first anniversary of Rosie's passing, adding an extra emotional weight to an already challenging day. Now, being given the chance to run for QEF in 2025 feels like a beautiful connection back to my mum.

+ There are 16 million disabled people in the UK.

+ Every 90 seconds, someone is admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury.

+ In the next 20 years, the rate of first-time strokes in people 45+ is expected to rise by 59%.

Any sponsorship, big or small, is deeply appreciated. QEF supports disabled people and people recovering from head trauma, accidents, and strokes—challenges that could affect any one of us at any time. Your generosity will help this hospital continue its life-changing work and, in doing so, keep Rosie’s memory alive.