This is Esther. She will be taking on the Sheffield Mutual Sheffield Half Marathon on Sunday 23rd March.
Esther has challenged herself to the half marathon as she is raising money for Sheffield’s Children’s Hospital Charity.
The Children’s Hospital Charity provides a healthier future for children and young people. They support them with medical treatment and creating a comfortable and engaging environment for them.
Esther’s son was born prematurely and developed sepsis and meningitis. It was an awful time for her, and they were in hospital for a month after he was born.
Her son developed Hydrocephalus as a result of meningitis – a condition where the water spaces in the brain get bigger, putting pressure on the brain. Because of this, he required to have brain surgery in Sheffield Children’s Hospital. A plastic tube was inserted to drain the fluid. Unfortunately, a few weeks later this tube blocked which required her son to undergo another surgery on his brain.
A few months pass, but unfortunately a routine scan found a large cyst in his brain, and he needed further emergency brain surgery. It was a very frightening time for her and the family ans they spent over two weeks in hospital. The first year of her son’s life was very traumatic, but thanks to the wonderful care from Sheffield Children’s Hospital, he is now a healthy three year old boy.
Throughout this time, Esther continued to run. She said, “I am not a natural runner, but it gives me space and fresh air and have been imperative to help me cope with those really difficult years.”
Esther has herself had some significant health problems and required a 13-hour operation to remove her pancreas, gallbladder and part of her bowel. Although this was curative it meant that she now had Diabetes, which is an added complication when it comes to running. Esther said, “I never thought I would be able to run this distance.”
We know she can do it and hit her fundraising goal for The Children’s Hospital Charity.
We can’t wait to see you at the start line of the Sheffield Mutual Sheffield Half Marathon and if you would like to donate to Esther, please see the link below.
DONATE HERE
