Midwives from Queen Alexandra Hospital to take part in the Great South Run

Laura Davis, Jenny Evans, Charlotte Kemp and Samantha Maguire, who all work as midwives in the maternity department at QA Hospital, will be running 10 miles at the event on Sunday October 16 in support of Portsmouth Hospitals Charity.

Portsmouth Hospitals Charity raises funds to make a positive difference for patients, their families and the staff who support their care. The charity raises funds to help improve facilities, purchase equipment and support research and innovation.

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Samantha, 39, who has Multiple Sclerosis, said: ‘This is the first race I have taken part in for over 10 years. I am really looking forward to raising money to provide better care for our patients.’

A few members of the team previously took part in the 2019 Great South Run to raise funds for Jenny’s son’s physiotherapy following his spinal surgery.

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Laura, 42, said: ‘We’re taking part again because we’re crazy! But on a serious level, some of us took part in 2019 to raise funds for Jenny’s son, Finn, and thought it would be a great challenge to do again. We want our patients to have the best experience possible when they are under our care, and simple enhancements we can make to our rooms through charitable funds will help with that.’

This year, they have chosen to raise funds for the Labour Ward at QA Hospital to help enhance the experience for future patients in the department.

‘With the money raised, we would like to purchase a special over-the-bed cot which allows patients to bond with their baby easily if they are unwell. We are also hoping to make our labour rooms more “homely” with some new lighting and pictures.’ Laura said.

Lynn Woolley, director of maternity services & midwifery said: ‘We are so grateful to our colleagues Laura, Jenny, Charlotte and Samantha for running for us to help raise funds for the maternity service. We will be cheering them on and make sure that these brave runners have a say in how their well-earned fundraising money is spent.’

The team have currently raised over £1,000. To make a donation, please visit their JustGiving page - justgiving.com/fundraising/kirsty-harrington7