My Story

Help! I’ve Signed Up for a Marathon… Not an Athlete - Just a Mum on a Mission!

Hi, I’m Gemma - PA to the Chief Nurse at Barking Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT), mum of three, professional multitasker and now… apparently a marathon runner in training. Yes, you read that right! I’ve voluntarily signed up to run 26.2 miles. On purpose. With my actual legs.

Why? After 15 years working at BHRUT and having all three of my children born at Queen’s Hospital, I wanted to give back in a way that’s bold, meaningful… and slightly bonkers. So, I’m running the 2026 London Marathon to raise money for the King George and Queen’s Hospital Charity, supporting the incredible staff and services that care for our community every single day.

This isn’t just a personal challenge - it’s a tribute to the NHS heroes I work with, the patients we serve, and the families who rely on our hospitals. The funds raised will go toward vital equipment, patient support, and staff wellbeing initiatives that make a real difference.

I’ve never run a marathon before but I’m determined to cross that finish line – blisters, sweat and all!

So, whether you’re cheering me on, laughing at my training updates, or donating to the cause - thank you.  Every donation, big or small, helps fuel this journey and supports the amazing work happening every day at Queen’s and King George Hospitals.

Turning mum-mode into marathon-mode - for a cause that matters.

#TeamBHRUT #KingGeorge&Queen’sHospitalsCharity #MumOnAMission #RunGemmaRun