Marathon mum takes on 26.2 mile challenge for St Helier’s Neonatal Unit
A grateful mum is running the London Marathon to raise money for the Neonatal Unit at St Helier Hospital as a thank you to the service that saved her twins’ lives when they were born 11 weeks early.
Local Carshalton mother of three, Camelia Garrett, 47, is taking on the 26.2 mile challenge to give something back to the team who cared for her children when they arrived prematurely back in 2003. Camelia said: “The twins are going to be 18 later this year, but I still remember those early days being cared for on the Neonatal Unit like it was yesterday.
“When Etti and Owain were born so early, it was an immensely frightening and distressing time, but the Neonatal Department were absolutely fantastic in every way. Using my London Marathon place to fundraise for the department seemed like the perfect opportunity to give back to them, and to support the wonderful staff who work there now.”
But in fact, some of the staff who cared for Etti and Owain still work in the department and remember caring for Camelia and her children. Fiona Herbert, now the Department’s Administration Manager, said: “I have worked here for 25 years, and still remember Camelia and the twins when I was a clinical member of staff. It’s always difficult when newborns need care with us, so the fact that Camelia thinks of us fondly and is fundraising for the department is really lovely. Of course, we wish her the very best of luck and hope she'll pay us a visit with her medal!”
Camelia has undertaken a gruelling training regime to get ready for the big day on Sunday 3 October and her aim is to complete the event in five and a half hours. Commenting on her training, Camelia said: “I am sure all of the hard work will pay off! But I couldn’t do any of it without the continued support and encouragement from my family and friends!”
To support Camelia’s fundraising, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Camelia-Garrett1.
If you would like to take on a challenge or host an event to raise funds for Epsom and St Helier hospitals (even a specific ward or community service), please visit www.esthcharity.org.uk.
