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Jun
Boroughbridge mum to run 100km for charity after baby underwent open heart surgery
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A Boroughbridge mum is to run 100km without stopping to raise money for the charity that supported her family when her baby underwent open heart surgery.
Danielle Nugent’s daughter Matilda was just five days old when doctors operated to correct a heart defect, and five months old when they performed keyhole surgery.
During that time, mother, daughter and family were supported, practically and emotionally, by the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) – and now Danielle wants to repay the charity.
Matilda in hospital.
She said:
When your child is in hospital after heart surgery, you feel helpless. I struggled massively with that – not being able to change what was happening, only trying to stay strong for Matilda and get through each day.
The support from CHSF made an incredibly difficult time just that bit more bearable.
In many ways, I keep thinking: if I can get through those moments and the pain of seeing her go through that, then I can get through this challenge too. This run is my way of turning that experience into something positive.
I’ve wanted for a long time to give something back, but never felt able to do anything meaningful enough. I may not be able to change what we went through, but I can take on something that pushes me to my limits to help support other families who will go through the same thing.
62 miles through the Peak District
On July 4, Danielle will be on her feet all day as she tackles the gruelling, 62-mile ultramarathon challenge through the Peak District. Her only rest will be at aid stations, when she will be able to grab a snack and water.
Danielle, who works full-time as an assistant headteacher in a secondary school, does not regard herself as an experienced runner, and is squeezing in training whenever she can.
She said:
This is going to be one of the hardest physical challenges I’ve ever done – a long day of running and walking, likely 17-plus hours on my feet. But the truth is, this challenge means a lot more than just the distance.
You can support Danielle’s fundraising efforts by donating via her JustGiving page. All donations will go directly to the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
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