A Calderdale mum whose family experienced first-hand the life-changing care provided by CHFT has been awarded a place in the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon.
Rebecca Brearley, who works at Noah's Ark Centre in Halifax and lives in Sowerby Bridge, has been announced as the second recipient of CHFT Charity's two coveted London Marathon places. She joins our Director of Operations, Helen Rees, in taking on the iconic challenge to raise funds for the charity.
Rebecca was left stunned when she learned she had secured a place in one of the world's most famous marathons. She said: "I literally couldn't believe it when I was surprised with a London Marathon place. I was completely overwhelmed and taken aback. It feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I've always dreamed of running such an iconic event but never really thought it was possible until now.
"The NICU supported my daughter, Belle, and my family has received care from the hospital over the years, so being able to raise money and give something back is a huge honour. I'm excited to take on the challenge, driven by positive energy and remembering why I'm doing it.
"I honestly don't think I'll ever forget this moment, and if I can give back, even in the smallest way, it will mean so much to me."
Rebecca's motivation for taking part stems from her family's own experience at Calderdale Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
In January 2020, her daughter Belle was born unexpectedly at just 25 weeks gestation, turning the family's world upside down. What followed were weeks of uncertainty, fear and emotional challenges as their daughter received specialist care in NICU.
Throughout that difficult period, Rebecca says the support from hospital colleagues made an enormous difference.
"My daughter was born unexpectedly at just 25 weeks in January 2020, and our lives changed overnight. She spent a number of weeks in the NICU at Calderdale Hospital, where we experienced some of the most frightening, emotional and uncertain days of our lives.
"During that time, the care we received from the doctors, nurses and support staff was incredible. They not only fought every day to give our daughter the best possible chance, but they also supported us as parents when we felt overwhelmed, scared and completely out of our depth.
"Their compassion, reassurance and dedication are something I will never forget."
Now six years old and thriving, Rebecca's daughter remains a constant reminder of the impact the team at Calderdale had on their family.
"Although those weeks were incredibly difficult, they also showed us the difference that outstanding care and kindness can make to families going through unimaginable circumstances.
"Our daughter is now doing so well, and we will always be grateful for everything the team at Calderdale did for her and for us."
By running the 2027 London Marathon for CHFT Charity, Rebecca hopes to thank the people who cared for her family while helping future patients and families receive the same support.
"Running the 2027 London Marathon in support of CHFT Charity is my opportunity to give something back to the people who gave our family so much.
"It's a huge personal challenge, but every mile will remind me why I started. I want to help raise funds so that other babies and families who find themselves in NICU receive the same exceptional care, support and opportunities that we did.
"Being able to run for CHFT Charity means far more than completing a marathon. It's a way of saying thank you, honouring our family's journey, and helping ensure that other parents facing the same experience have the very best care when they need it most."
Rebecca's fundraising page is already set up and accepting donations.
We wish Rebecca and Helen the very best as they begin their London Marathon journeys and look forward to supporting them as they raise vital funds for CHFT Charity over the coming months.