Ipswich nurses team up to take on London Marathon in aid of cystic fibrosis charity
Hannah Page (left) and Hannah Wilkinson are celebrating their 30th birthdays by running the London Marathon in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Picture: TEAM HANNAH - Credit: Archant
Two inspiring nurses from Ipswich are gearing up for a challenge after deciding to run the London Marathon together – just days from their 30th birthdays.
Hannah Page and Hannah Wilkinson (a.k.a. Team Hannah), who are both paediatric nurses at Ipswich Hospital, decided to take on the challenge on April 22 to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
The nurses, who coincidentally both turn 30 within a month of the marathon, often care for children with the condition – which has spurred them on to help find a cure.
Hannah Wilkinson, who lives in Framlingham, said: “We want to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis and raise money to help research.
“As part of our roles we look after children with cystic fibrosis and they have regular stays at the hospital with us so we get to know them. Unfortunately, a few of these children have passed away which is very sad as you obviously get really close to them.”
Hannah Page, who lives in Ipswich, added: “Cystic fibrosis is an awful condition that affects young people.
“Advances in science have rapidly improved the treatment of cystic fibrosis in recent years and we believe that that will only improve and possibly move towards a cure being found so raising money to help that research is really important.”
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Cystic fibrosis is a debilitating condition which sees people experience a build-up of thick, sticky mucus that can cause chronic lung infections and progressive lung damage.
This and other complications radically decrease life expectancy. Half those who died with cystic fibrosis in the past year were under the age of 31.
Anne Shinkwin, Director of Fundraising at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “The London Marathon is a fantastic event that is hugely important to us at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
“We would very much like to thank both Hannahs for taking part this year and raising money for our cause as their hard efforts will certainly help us in our mission to fund research into cystic fibrosis and campaign to improve the lives of those with this terrible life-shortening condition. We wish both of them all the best on the day.”
The pair are also raising money by running events such as a sponsored dog walk and selling homemade dog bandanas.
To donate to Team Hannah’s campaign, go to their Virgin Money Giving page.