Emma's Story: Running the Berlin Marathon for Birch and Bracken

Emma Brinsden and her medal from the Berlin Marathon.

Emma came to visit us at the hub to present a cheque to Birch and Bracken wards, raised from running the Berlin Marathon.

Earlier this year, she had completed the Plymouth Half and decided to challenge herself with her first full marathon. She chose Berlin for its flat, scenic streets, hoping for a smooth run, but the 28-degree heat made it far tougher than expected. “It was hard; it was a really hot day,” she said. 

More than 55,000 people took on the 26.2-mile challenge, starting from the Brandenburg Gate. “We were being doused with water by fire engines and people with garden hoses,” she recalled. Despite this, she spoke about the incredible atmosphere and how fantastic it felt to cross the finish line. 

“I wanted to raise money for the wards, for the patients, and particularly for people suffering with ITP,” she explained.  

Emma's Mum was diagnosed with Immune Thrombocytopenia, a rare autoimmune disorder, and is receiving treatment on Birch and Bracken. “The two nurses, Moira and Ruth, and Mr Wayne Thomas, the consultant, and his colleagues are all wonderful.” 

“This donation is a token of our appreciation for all the hard work, and we hope it can be used to fund some equipment that will make the staff’s job easier and the patient experience and care even better.”

Emma presenting the cheque to our fundraising team, Jamie & Charlie.

Emma originally set a fundraising target of £500 but, in the end, went on to more than double it. What an incredible achievement! Thank you, Emma. Your gift will make such a difference to staff and patients at University Hospitals Plymouth. 

Read more on Emma’s fundraising page: Crowdfunding For Good From JustGiving