My colleague and friend, James Hatchley, tragically lost his daughter Emma in 2014 to a dreadful and rare disease called Churg Strauss. Over the course of her diagnosis and treatment, Emma spent almost 4 months at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital and I have heard first hand from James about the truly inspirational work of the doctors, nurses and surgeons who fought to save her, and the compassion, skill, love and friendship extended to the Hatchley family, who lived at GOSH throughout this time. I have also had the opportunity to visit the hospital myself, see some of the life saving equipment, meet various doctors and nurses that work there, and learn how the money raised by the charity makes a difference. 

Getting to know James, his incredible energy and passion for this cause quickly became clear. He is already a dedicated fundraiser for GOSH but the need for funds is ongoing and urgent and so it was an easy decision to join Team Hatch for Challenge Lisboa to help the team meet its 2018 fundraising goal of £100,000.  Although I have done lots of shorter triathlons before, this distance marks a big step into the unknown for me, and will certainly be my biggest challenge to date, involving a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run...!!

The funds raised will be used to transform the health and wellbeing of children and young people. Donations will specifically help to fund advanced life saving medical equipment, child and family support services, pioneering research and the rebuilding and refurbishment of the Hospital.

Thank you for your support!