Thousands gather for Nottingham Hospitals Charity Donor Run

Thousands of people from across the country gathered at Wollaton Hall and Deer Park last Saturday (3^rd August) to celebrate those who have given and received organ donations.

The Nottingham Hospitals Charity Donor Run was part of the British Transplant Games, which took place from 1^st to 4^th August and were this year hosted in Nottingham.

More than 1,500 people took part in the 5k and 2k runs, while family and friends cheered them on, in celebration of individuals and families whose lives have been touched by organ donation.

One runner taking part in aid of Nottingham Hospitals Charity was Karen Joel, who had three special reasons for taking part. She was running in memory of her nephew, Mark, who sadly died from a heart attack last year, but was able to save several other lives through organ donation.

Karen also wanted to run to raise money to thank the staff at Nottingham’s NHS hospital for caring for both her husband and her mum.

Karen explained: “My connection with Nottingham City Hospital started during Covid – we had a house fire and my husband was treated in Critical Care and then on a Covid ward following smoke inhalation. The staff were all brilliant - especially as I couldn't visit.

“I am, however, running specifically for Winifred 2 Ward at the City Hospital. My Mum spent three months there from Easter onwards, with two spells in Critical Care, with problems with her stomach. We live in Lincolnshire so we couldn't visit as much as we would have liked, but my Dad lived in the hospital hotel throughout - I think he now holds the record for the most long term resident!

“The support they both got from the staff was absolutely crucial – all the staff were fantastic, from the ward staff right through to Ash, Mum's consultant. I just wanted to say thank you to all of them and raise a little money for the ward.”

Also taking part in the Donor Run in aid of Nottingham Hospitals Charity was Helena Rooms, who was running for her son Alex, who was the recipient of a kidney donation, and was cared for on the Children’s Renal Unit at Nottingham Children’s Hospital.

Helena said: “Out of the blue, in March 2014 Alex became very poorly. After being seen in Derby A&E he was transferred to QMC and diagnosed with acute kidney failure. This was a complete shock to the family and was difficult to cope with since Alex is physically disabled with severe and profound learning difficulties. He coped well with dialysis and went home onto peritoneal dialysis.

“I decided to become a donor and was worked up to give Alex my kidney in August 2015. The procedure failed, and despite the surgeon heroically performing the operation twice, it became obvious that the kidney was not a good ‘fit’.

“October 2017 and two transplant attempts later, Alex was given a superb A1 kidney. The road to recovery was not easy, not helped by a double hip operation in 2021 where both his leg bones and hip were reset, but he is now up and walking in his gait trainer and a very happy teenager who loves going to school and being out and about.

“I am running to raise money for the staff and patients in the Children’s Renal Unit, and to say a really big thank you to the donor and their family. They could provide something for Alex that, unfortunately, I could not, and I will be eternally grateful.”

As part of the event, 15 runners raised money directly for Nottingham Hospitals Charity. With over £1,000 raised so far, the majority of contributions came from their fundraising efforts and participation.