Two sisters take on half marathon to thank Nottingham Children’s Hospital for their care

Two sisters from Nottingham are taking on this year’s Robin Hood Half Marathon in support of Ward E39 at Nottingham Children’s Hospital, where 15-month-old Robin has been treated for a rare cancer. We spoke to them both to hear why taking on this challenge means everything to them. 

Annalisa, Robin’s mum, told us: “I wanted to raise money for the paediatric oncology/haematology ward E39 after my son Robin was diagnosed with Multi-systems Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, an extremely rare cancer, at just six months old.

“He’s spent a total of 25 weeks living on E39 and the staff on the ward do an incredible job, they go above and beyond every day and we wouldn’t have made it through the last nine months without them.”

Chloe, Annalisa's sister and Robin’s Aunt, added: “E39 have done everything they can, from providing medical care to providing a safe space and home for us all to gather while being there for my sister and her family. They do even more things too that you just don’t realise they would do for you.

“The ward has enabled us to feel a sense of community among other families who are experiencing the horror of childhood cancer. The nurses and support staff on that ward give all they've got to look after these children physically, and I've seen the care and passion they put into what they do. Their faces light up when Robin smiles, as comforted as we are by his progress.

“If all I can do in this horrible situation is to support the system that supports him, then it's the least I could do.”

Annalisa continued: “We’re so grateful to them all for everything they have done for us, and will continue to do for many children and I really wanted to give something back.

“Unlike Chloe, I’m new to running and decided in April to take on the challenge. It’s been hard work, with injuries along the way, but we’re so close now and I am so excited to be at the start line, and so proud of how much I’ve achieved.”

Chloe concluded: “I’m a mix of thrilled and nervous for running the half marathon! I’m excited to run a distance I’ve never run before and challenge myself physically, and I’m grateful for all the support I’ve had through training and fundraising.”

We can’t wait to see Annalisa and Chloe on the start line for this year’s Robin Hood Half. If you would like to take on your own challenge, please click the button below.