I have chosen to raise money for the RNOH charity as they were so incredible in looking after my Dad, who sadly passed away on the 3rd of August, 2019 at the RNOH. My dad spent his final weeks and days in the London Irish Ward at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore. We went to the hospital full of hope that they could repair my dad's bones in his neck and lower back that had been damaged.

An initial procedure straightened my Dad's neck successfully and gave us some hope, and some of him back. However, scans after revealed that the cancer spread further, and to his lungs. This meant end of life care was now required, and there would be no second procedure. My Dad was too ill to be moved to a hospice to receive palliative care, so he had to stay at the RNOH. The RNOH are not set up to provide palliative care, but as a team, the incredible care he received, myself and my family will forever be grateful for. I will always remember how he loved all the staff, and was always so kind and appreciative to the end.

I'm hoping that the money I raise leading up to the half marathon can be put towards future research into spinal tumours, buildings and equipment for the hospital, and patient/staff wellbeing.

Please read the following from the RNOH charity itself:

"RNOH has been doing the impossible for over 100 years by rebuilding people’s lives when they face complex orthopaedic conditions or injury.

They’re doing things that no other hospital can. That’s what makes the hospital extraordinary. But being extraordinary needs extra investment."

Lots of love and many thanks,

Lauren