Danielle Whitehead is in training for the Greater Manchester Marathon, which take place on April 10, to raise money for Blue Skies Hospitals Fund
A staff nurse working in Blackpool’s busy Emergency Department is helping to enhance the care her patients receive by taking part in the Greater Manchester Marathon later this month.
Danielle Whitehead, 27, hopes to complete her run, which takes place on Sunday, April 10, in less than five hours and to raise as much money as possible for Blue Skies Hospitals Fund – the charity for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Most of the money she raises will be used to enhance patient care within the Emergency Department, though some will also go to the Alexandra Care Home in Thornton Cleveleys to be spent on taking the residents out on day trips.
Danielle, who lives in Fleetwood, said: “I wanted to put something back into the Trust and to somewhere where I can see the real benefit my donation is making to the patients I help care for.
“I’ve always liked running and I just wanted to challenge myself that little bit more. I’ve never done a marathon before but it is something I’ve always wanted to do. It was something I didn’t think I’d do for another couple of years but I’ve pushed myself so I’m ready for it this year.”
Danielle, who has worked at Blackpool Victoria Hospital for nine years, will travel to Manchester with friends who will also be competing in the marathon.
She added: “I realised this was the right time to get the support I need and the atmosphere on the day.
Danielle Whitehead
“Training has been going well – I’ve been running around near where I live and through Stanley Park, and I’m up to 20 miles now. My knees do start to hurt after a while so I just hope they’re OK on the day.
“I am excited about doing this. I think I will become nervous the closer it gets to the run but I know I will be able to do it. All my colleagues are behind me, even though they think I’m mad!”
All money raised online will go to Blue Skies Hospitals Fund in aid of the Emergency Department at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. To support Danielle visit www.justgiving.com/danielle-whitehead2.
For further information about this Press Release, please call Rebecca Ferguson, Deputy Head of Fundraising, on 01253 957903 or email rebecca.ferguson@bfwh.nhs.uk.
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