Helen is a Paediatric Research Sister and Clinical Skills Tutor who set herself the challenge of running as many 10k’s as possible throughout October! Visiting an orphanage in Romania when at school opened Helen’s eyes to the importance of good care. This lead her to pursue a career in nursing. Before becoming a clinical research nurse, she worked in a variety of specialities and has been a qualified Children’s nurse for 14 years.

“Children have an amazing resilience and outlook on things, it’s a privilege to work with them and their families. Our team work to deliver clinical research across our hospital and in the community. When children have access to new treatments or standard practice changes as a result it’s very rewarding to know we played a part in improving care.”But it’s not just her patients’ lives who Helen cares for, Helen chose to fundraise to help those who have dedicated their careers to helping others.

“I liked the way that everyone could choose their own way to take part.” Helen pledged to try and run as many 10km’s in October as she could.

“I was hoping to fit in 1 a week but I ended up with 6 in total which I was really pleased with.  It was very motivating and kept me going on those runs which I’d have happily stopped at 8km!”

At the end of her challenge Helen recalls, “I was really pleased with both my efforts and my fundraising total. People were very generous with their donations and I exceeded my target.”

To anyone thinking of signing up Helen says, “Do it! There was lots of lovely support and you can make it your own.”