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Graham goes the extra mile for Bristol Children’s Hospital

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Graham with his two very proud daughters!
In May, fundraising hero Graham crossed the finish line of the Plymouth Half Marathon knowing his amazing efforts will help more children like his daughter Poppy.
Poppy - Graham Monks

Little Poppy and her twin sister Scarlett were born last year but unfortunately, Graham and Steph‘s joy soon turned to fear when 18 days later Poppy was rushed to Seahorse Paediatric Care Unit (PICU) at Bristol Children’s Hospital with bronchitis. She had been transferred from Barnstaple Hospital in a critical state.

Every member of staff at the hospital and in particular the PICU are amazing people. The positivity, compassion and professionalism they showed throughout the entirety of the time Poppy was on the ward never wavered.

Graham

Poppy finally made a recovery after a traumatising five days and multiple attempts to wean her from a ventilator. The incredible level of care the PICU team delivered throughout this time left such an impression on Graham that he knew he wanted to say thank you somehow.

Thanks to the staff’s dedication to ensuring the children receive everything they need, Poppy made it home and along with her sister is a vibrant happy baby. The hospital’s work which is supported by The Grand Appeal is truly phenomenal.

Graham

Determined to make a difference, Graham dusted off his running shoes and entered his first ever half marathon. Despite the hot weather and only having returned to the UK from army deployment in the early hours beforehand, the thought of his brave Poppy and impact his efforts might have on other sick children kept Graham going until the finish line.

Graham with his two very proud daughters!
Graham with his two very proud daughters!

I hate running, but after what Bristol Children’s Hospital did for Poppy I would gladly run 100 marathons to try to help as many children as possible to receive the care and treatment that Poppy was lucky enough to have.

Graham

Finishing in less than two hours, we want to give Graham an almighty round of applause for his amazing achievement! We’re proud to call fantastic fundraisers such as him part of the family. Could you go the distance like Graham and support Bristol Children’s Hospital? Sign up to an event today!

Save lives with your strides on Sunday 19 May.