Harriet takes on the London Landmarks Half Marathon a year after life saving care
02 April 2025
Running for St George’s a year on from life-saving care
One year ago, I was waking up in intensive care at St George’s Hospital. I had lost 13 litres of blood during the birth of my daughter, after being diagnosed with severe placenta accreta. Without the incredible skill and dedication of the surgical, anaesthetic, and neonatal teams, I simply wouldn’t be here today.
Now, a year on, I’m doing something I never imagined, training for my first ever half marathon! On 6th April, I’ll be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise money for St George’s Hospital Charity and give something back to the people who saved me and my baby.
Training for the big day!
I’m training in the Surrey Hills, running three to four times a week, come rain or shine! My daughter often comes along for the ride in a running buggy, it feels special that I get to share some of my training journey with her. I also love having the headspace to run alone and really clock up some decent miles when I can.
I’ve watched races from the sidelines before and I know just how wonderful the atmosphere is- there is something so special about complete strangers cheering you on and wishing you well. My children are coming to watch me and are already making banners and flags to bring with them - I know I will be in tears when I spot them in the crowd cheering me on!
Why I’m fundraising
St George’s was my home for weeks before my daughter’s birth, and I’ll never forget the kindness of everyone there. When you are in the hospital for a longer than usual period, you start recognising faces and forming relationships with those people, especially when you are away from your home and all the comforts that that brings. From the midwives who listened to me sob as I desperately longed to go home with my baby, the GICU nurses and doctors who stabilised me, the neonatal teams who looked after my baby when I couldn’t, the catering staff who fed me every day both antenatally and postnatally; I will always be filled with gratitude for how hard they all work to ensure patients are cared for in those hardest moments.
That’s why I want the money I raise to go towards supporting the hospital’s incredible staff. They work tirelessly to save lives, and I hope my fundraising can make even a small difference to their experience at work.
I can never truly express my thanks for everyone who kept me and my daughter safe, but fundraising is just an amazing way to try to show how grateful I am and how much the St George’s Hospital staff have made an impact on me and my family.
How you can help
If you’re thinking about doing a challenge for St George’s yourself – do it! Be brave!
You don’t have to run a half marathon; there’s a wide range of events you can take part in, or you can organise your own. Giving back feels amazing, and it’s a great way to say thank you for the care so many of us have received at this incredible hospital.
Thank you for all your support – see you at the finish line!
