General Paediatrics Team ‘BCH AllStars’ Take on the Great Bristol 10k Together! 

Seven amazing General Paediatricians at Bristol Children’s Hospital are running the Great Bristol 10k tomorrow! We spoke to Anna, Natasha and Anna from the ‘BCH AllStars’ team, who told us all about why they signed up to tackle this challenge together.  

Why do you want to run the Great Bristol 10k together?

“We all love running and thought it was a great way to build some team spirit whilst getting fitter and raising money for a fantastic cause.  

As a team, we’re great at motivating and encouraging each other. We hold each other accountable! 

Plus, The Grand Appeal is such an amazing charity. It does so much for the patients and the parents that we look after, so of course, it was the number one choice.” – Natasha Smallwood, Locum Consultant. 

“The Grand Appeal is a great charity bringing real time changes to children and families. 

I’ve done a Grand Appeal event previously which was huge fun and an important opportunity to connect with colleagues and the wider hospital community. It also helped fulfil our important role as paediatricians, as advocates for children.” – Anna Thursby-Pelham, General Paediatrician.  

Do you have previous training for the run?

“I’ve been running on and off since university, but mainly for fun or as part of training for triathlons or duathlons I entered.” – Anna Wilding, Paediatric Registrar. 

“I joined the cross-country team at Bristol University in 2002 and have been running ever since!” – Natasha Smallwood, Locum Consultant. 

“Not sure I could say I run now – more fast walking, usually with a dog in tow. I was a runner in my youth, though those days are long behind me now!” – Anna Thursby-Pelham, General Paediatrician.

How do you all feel about running a 10k?

“We love to run. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people and keep fit. So, this 10k is a great way to do something we love while being able to raise money and awareness. It’s also a wonderful feeling – being part of the Bristol Children’s Hospital team.” – Natasha Smallwood, Locum Consultant. 

“I love being in the great outdoors. The endorphins help get rid of all stresses and you feel great at the end of a run.” – Anna Wilding, Paediatric Registrar.  

Have you trained together?

“Yes! We have been doing some training sessions together up St Michael’s Hill as much as work patterns and clinic times allow. They were huge fun and made for a much more productive afternoon’s work on the days we went out together.” – Anna Thursby-Pelham, General Paediatrician. 

What are you all most looking forward to? 

“Doing something worthwhile and meaningful with colleagues. Running is a great social sport, and it’s been great for our mindfulness, too.” – Anna Thursby-Pelham, General Paediatrician 

“Running together as a team. Being on the start line together (hopefully in the Bristol sunshine!) and seeing everybody smiling at the finish. And perhaps even a well-deserved doughnut afterwards! 

We are aiming to raise at least £100 each for our wonderful children’s hospital – but if we could hit the £1,000 mark, that would be amazing.” – Natasha Smallwood, Locum Consultant. 

We are so proud to work alongside staff who go to such lengths to help the patients they care for every day. Their dedication constantly motivates us, and your donations keep allowing them to provide the highest quality care. 

If you’d like to support your incredible General Paediatrics team, you can donate to their fundraiser or share their page on your social media channels. Every little helps – and it all goes back to the patients who need it the most.