St Mary’s Hospital worker takes on London Marathon to raise awareness of charity

“I'm determined to use my place to raise awareness of the work of Imperial College Healthcare Charity,” said Emily Burrows, who is set to take on the London Marathon on 24 April.

Emily has worked at St Mary's Hospital, part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, for more than two years and during that time she has witnessed the impact the hospital charity's work has had on patients and Trust staff across five hospitals in London.

“I've seen the difference the charity's support has made to improving the care for our patients: from helping to create dementia friendly wards and funding ground breaking research to supporting the redevelopment of our children's intensive care unit and major trauma centre at St Mary's Hospital,” said the 28-year-old, who is a financial analyst for the Trust.

“Only 20 per cent of applicants get a place in the London Marathon from the ballot, so it was a bit of a shock when I got one,” she said. “At the time I wasn't expecting to actually have to run 26.2 miles so I am now feeling really excited and just a little bit terrified!”

The Virgin Money London Marathon is one of the biggest sporting events in the UK, with more than 35,000 runners taking part every year. The iconic route passes through the streets of London from Blackheath through to central London and the famous finishing line at The Mall.

Over the past few months, Emily, who lives in Windsor, has braved the British winter weather to train. She said, “I have been running four times a week and the distance has been creeping up, but I feel I still have a long way to go!”

“I just want to raise as much as I can for the charity. Every pound raised makes training in the wind and rain that little bit easier and all the more worth it!” Family and friends have been so supportive that she has already surpassed her fundraising target, raising close to £900 in the process.

To sponsor Emily, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/EmilyBurrows

Imperial College Healthcare Charity raises vital funds for research and projects that help improve patient healthcare at the five London hospitals of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust: Charing Cross, Hammersmith, Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea, St Mary and Western Eye hospitals.

For more information about Imperial College Healthcare Charity, visit www.imperialcharity.org.uk