Running on Empty: Why Every Mile Matters for Parents at GOSH

Running on Empty Why Every Mile Matters for Parents at GOSH

46 Day’s To Go: Today’s Run A Disaster

🏃‍♂️ I set out expecting a solid training session, but within minutes, I knew something was off…

  • My legs felt like lead
  • My energy tanked
  • I was completely gassed out

Then it hit me—I hadn’t eaten, barely drank any water, and was running on empty. Rookie mistake.

Back to Great Ormond Street

It reminded me of our time at Great Ormond Street Hospital with Ruby. Back then, running on empty wasn’t just a bad day—it was life.

  • Days without a proper meal
  • Living off vending machine snacks
  • Sleep was a luxury

Most mornings, we’d put off eating and drinking, waiting for the ward round to hear about Ruby’s treatment.

The Parent Room: A Small Comfort

One place made a difference: the parent room.

  • A sachet of tea & coffee in the morning
  • A quick bite before heading back to the ward
  • A quiet place to breathe, cry, or collect yourself
  • And if you were lucky, a plastic spoon—but we learned to keep one handy 🥄

Why I’m Running the London Marathon

Because every donation to Run with Ruby helps keep that room stocked for the next family sitting in the same hospital, facing the same fears we did.

It might just be breakfast. But to parents running on empty, it’s fuel to keep going.

🙏 If you’d like to help, please consider donating. Every penny makes a difference!

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