Trudi and Michaela, who is also running in the blue wave.

Trudi has worked in the NHS for nearly 10 years. To mark this milestone, she’s taking on her first 10K at this year’s Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival.

Starting her career at UHP as a Senior Healthcare Assistant, Trudi went on to complete the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship, graduating with distinction in 2024. She now works as a Research Nursing Associate and hopes to become a Lecturer. “I want to educate, inspire and support the next generation of nurses,” she says.

A real highlight of the decade has been the incredible people she’s met along the way—colleagues across teams and specialisms who have supported her and become good friends. There’s no better way to celebrate those connections than running alongside some of them in Team Blue Wave.

The run is also about reflecting on her own journey. “My biggest motivation for race day is knowing that I am making a meaningful difference and representing the people who have supported me. Every kilometre I complete will mark my progression within the NHS,” she explains.

Training with a local running club is helping her to stay on track ahead of the event. “I’ve been so inspired by the people there. They’ve pushed me to go further than I thought I could,” she shares. “I have found it challenging at times, but I have not given up, and I have an incredible amount of support behind me.”

The response to her fundraising has also been fantastic and another source of encouragement. In just one day, Trudi raised £200 from family, friends and colleagues, and she hopes to reach £500 by the time she crosses the finish line on Sunday 17 May.

Trudi’s reasons for running are a celebration of an incredible decade of service across our hospitals, and the people and experiences that have shaped it. We wish her the best of luck on race day!

Want to join the NHS Blue Wave too?

It’s not too late to run as part of the blue wave at Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival on Sunday 17 May 2026. Find out more on the NHS Blue Wave event page or contact the team to sign up!

Sponsor Trudi here: Trudi Jones is fundraising for Plymouth Hospital Charity