Junior doctor Em sees the impact of Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity first-hand every day; from patients benefiting from the Phoenix Suite to spending her own lunch breaks in the Charity funded Rainbow Garden.
Now, she’s preparing to take on one of the world’s most iconic running events, the London Marathon 2027, with the aim of raising more than £2,500 for our Charity.
Originally from Kent, Em moved to South Yorkshire eight years ago to begin her medical training. She is now a junior doctor at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, currently working in Respiratory Medicine.
“Doncaster Hospital is where I worked my first year as a qualified doctor, and it’s where I am currently working,” she said.
“I adore the Trust and the people in it even more; every corridor you walk down, there’s a familiar face to talk to.”
Seeing the difference first-hand
For Em, the impact of charitable funding is something she encounters throughout her working life.
She first became familiar with our work during her time in the stroke department, where she cared for patients who went on to benefit from the Phoenix Suite, a Charity-funded rehabilitation facility.
Another Charity-funded space has since become a regular part of her own working day.
“From the Charity funded Rainbow Garden where I’ve spent many a lunch break, to the state-of-the-art rehabilitation opportunities the Phoenix Suite provides the patients I’ve cared for on the stroke ward, DBTH Charity has a tangible impact every single day,” Em said.
“I’ve left every shift at DBTH smiling, which speaks volumes for the Trust. I’m so excited to fundraise and give back.”
That first-hand experience made DBTH Charity a natural choice when Em decided to take on the marathon.
“I’m so excited and proud to be running for DBTH Charity,” she said.
Taking on her biggest challenge yet
The idea of running the London Marathon first came after Em supported friends taking part in the event themselves.
“I like a challenge and was encouraged by my friends and family to take it on myself,” she said.
“I’ve not even run a half, so I’ve got some serious training to do!”
Em is documenting her training journey on Instagram at @emsmaratraining, as she builds towards race day.
And while she admits there are some nerves, there are also parts of marathon preparation she is embracing enthusiastically.
“I definitely feel a bit nervous, but the day will be so much fun and, having watched before, I know the atmosphere is electric.
“I’m especially excited for the carb loading – the pasta aisle hates to see me coming…”
Em hopes to raise more than £2,500 through the challenge, helping us continue to enhance care and experiences for patients, families and staff across Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals.
“Thank you,” she said. “It really will make a huge difference to this amazing Trust.”
And when she thinks about standing on the start line in London?
“Am I allowed to say the thought of a cold pint at the end?”
We think that’s entirely reasonable.
We’re incredibly grateful to Em for choosing to take on such a huge challenge for DBTH Charity, and especially proud to have one of our own hospital colleagues representing us at the London Marathon 2027.
We’ll be cheering her on throughout the training, the carb loading and, eventually, all 26.2 miles.