My Story

When I first started running, the London Marathon was but a dream, that turned into an ambition, and on the 23^rd April I hope to run the 26.2 miles.

To celebrate, I would like to highlight the fantastic work by all at Alder Hey Childrens Hospital, and what a vital service they and the hospital provide, while we carry on living our own lives.

Over 20 years ago I read an article asking why we tend not to take photos during the tough times, we normally save the camara (pre-mobile phone) for parties, holidays, and the happy times.  Yet we learn so much about life during the tough times, why don’t we record that?

Only a couple of weeks later with this in mind I took a photo of one of my children recovering from open heart surgery in the intensive care unit at Alder Hey Childrens Hospital.  At 2 years old, and too young to be aware, I thought it may be an interesting reminder in years to come. 

It’s still the most emotional photo I have taken.

It’s a reminder of how much as a family we went through during those weeks, the fantastic care we received and the vital support facilities available to help us – the things that you don’t think about until you are there in the moment.

All this contrasting now with a young person’s wry humour about the day they died! 

One thing that sticks in my mind was that we were there for a matter of weeks, yet the little girl in the next bed had been in Alder Hey all her life.  We had our experience, yet I can’t imagine what that family went through…in common we relied on the team and the unique facilities at Alder Hey…as many thousands have and still do with their own stories.

Thanks for reading our story and you are welcome to share it…please don’t feel you have to donate as we all have charities that we are close too and Alder Hey Childrens hospital is just one making a difference. 

But if you are able to support, then that would be wonderful, and we thank you very much.

Oh…and don’t stop taking photos of the smiley times! 

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