The Serious Injury team at Hugh James were due to run the Cardiff Half Marathon on 4 October 2020 in order to raise money for Horatio’s Garden. As with many other sporting events, this has unfortunately been postponed due to Covid-19, and so we’ve decided to take on another running challenge in order to try to raise funds for Horatio’s Garden.
Between 1 June and 4 October 2020, we are aiming to run 2,800 km as a team of 7. We are all amateur female runners working in the Neurolaw team at Hugh James and we are passionate about our work which involves us in representing and supporting clients who have sustained spinal cord and brain injury. We wanted a goal which would help us both mentally and physically during the current pandemic whilst also helping to raise money for a wonderful charity. Running 2,800km is certainly going to be a challenge for us!
Our chosen charity for this challenge is Horatio’s Garden which is working in collaboration with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, to develop the new garden which will offer wonderful outdoor space at the new purpose-built Spinal and Neurological Centre. Whilst the centre is currently situated at Rookwood Hospital, it is going to be moved to a new location at the University Hospital Llandough in 2021. The centre offers specialist spinal and neuro-rehabilitation services for patients who are admitted from south and mid-Wales, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. The new centre will have an independent living facility for patients preparing to go home with a total of 50 beds. Horatio’s Garden has been invited to create a new garden for patients.
The garden has been designed by Sarah Price and will be a stunning, peaceful sanctuary for patients and their families away from the wards. A spectacular garden pavilion will mean the space can be used in all weathers.
During the last few weeks and months, we have all recognised the importance of outdoor space. For patients who often have to spend months in hospital, having a beautiful garden to enjoy can make a world of difference.
Thank you for your support. Diolch yn fawr.
The running team: Cari Sowden-Taylor, Ellice Harding, Charlotte Fletcher, Joy Davies, Lyndsey Walsh & Rebecca Herbert.
