New Year, New Charity

Hello! This is a short post to introduce a little about me, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), and the bike race I’m taking part in for EACH.

My name is Sarah, I’m 24, and a medical student. Besides being a (slightly overeager) student, I’m a pretty average cyclist with four lovely nephews and a wonderful niece. It’s these last two factors that have pushed me to sign up for NorthCape4000 (NC4K).

Tackling a bike race from Italy to the Arctic circle, especially when my daily commute is just a 20 minute ride, might sound crazy, but doing something like this feels like the perfect way to raise money for the hospice caring for my baby nephew. In the run up to the festive season and a time when most people were optimistically setting New Year’s resolution they were in and out of hospital.

This is where EACH comes in. They have been a pillar of support for my nephew, J, and his family since October. For J and his siblings, this included therapeutic play in an environment that feels safe and calm. For my brother and his wife, EACH provide necessary support to help them to comprehend a future without their little one.

Across their 3 hospices, EACH provide a home-away-from-home where families have a chance to feel normal during the turmoil of care at the end of life. With specialist nursing, accessible playgrounds, and support for every family member, EACH creates a sanctuary for families facing the unimaginable challenge of losing a child. 

When faced with loss it’s easy to feel a lack of control. I can’t cure baby J, nor take the pressure off my brother and sister-in-law. But I can work hard to raise money for an organisation that is in a position to meaningfully support the people I love. 

So over the next six months I’ll be training for the bike race of my life, in the hopes of making my nephews little life a little better. Pleae join me in this journey by following along, sharing with your friends and family, and donating what you can to support this brilliant charity.