NHS staff raise money for vulnerable babies
Two hospital colleagues who care for sick babies are preparing to take on their first half marathon to raise funds to support them.
Toni Topping, 35, from Deal, and Charleen Gleed, 43, from Westgate, both work at the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.
The pair are fundraising for East Kent Hospitals Charity, with donations specifically supporting the SCBU.
Senior neonatal nurse Toni said her work on the unit inspired her to take on the challenge.
She said: “I see every day the positive difference charity funding makes to families and their babies.
“I only started running last June and wanted something to work towards and challenge myself.”
Toni, who lives with her fiancé and three children, said training through the winter has been tough, but worth it.
She added: “The cold weather has definitely been the hardest part, but I would recommend something like this to anyone - it’s good to challenge yourself physically and mentally.”
Colleague Charleen, a neonatal nursery nurse, said she also wanted to push herself while supporting a cause close to her heart.
She said: “Working on SCBU, I see the difference the right care and support can make for parents and babies.
“I wanted a challenge and doing something for my workplace at the same time felt like a great idea.”
Charleen has been training by running once or twice a week and building up her distance, alongside strength work at a local boxing club.
She added: “The hardest part is the thought of completing something I’ve never done before, but it’s pushed me mentally and physically for a good cause, and I would definitely recommend it to others.”
They will take on the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday, 12 April, a closed-road event through the heart of the capital, taking in many of the city’s most famous sights. Both runners will be supported by family and friends as they take on the 13.1-mile challenge.
You can support Toni at https://www.justgiving.com/page/toni-topping-2 and Charleen at https://www.justgiving.com/page/charleen-hales-1