Nurses Complete Manchester Half Marathon to Raise Funds for Children’s Burns Foundation

On Sunday 13 October, Liz Halliwell and Rachel Brown, two dedicated staff nurses from the Burns and Plastics Aftercare Clinic at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, proudly crossed the finish line of the Manchester Half Marathon. Their goal? To raise awareness and much-needed funds for the Children’s Burns Foundation, a cause very close to their hearts.

Liz, aged 43, and Rachel, aged 27, work firsthand with young burn survivors and their families, providing critical care and support during the long road to recovery. Their experience inspired them to take on the challenge of the half marathon to raise funds for the Foundation, which plays a vital role in the emotional and physical rehabilitation of these children.

Liz’s Personal Connection
For Liz, this cause is especially personal. Years ago, her own daughter sustained a burn injury, and Liz experienced the profound support of the Burns service as a mother. “The help we received was invaluable,” Liz shared. “It gave us the strength and guidance we needed to navigate such a difficult time. The Children’s Burns Foundation does the same for so many families, and I wanted to give something back.”

Training Around Busy Lives
Balancing a demanding job in the Burns and Plastics Clinic with the rigors of training for a half marathon was no easy feat for Liz and Rachel. “It’s been challenging to fit in our training around our busy schedules, especially after long, tiring days in the clinic,” Rachel admitted. “But we knew it would be worth it to raise awareness for the incredible support available to burn survivors.”

Their dedication paid off as they completed the 13.1-mile course with smiles on their faces, driven by the support of friends, family, and the wider community. “We’re thrilled to have made it across the finish line, and even more thrilled to have raised awareness around burn injuries and the amazing work of the Children’s Burns Foundation.” Liz said.

Spreading Awareness and Support
Liz and Rachel’s efforts not only helped raise funds but also shined a spotlight on the importance of the services provided by the Children’s Burns Foundation. The Foundation supports burn survivors through therapeutic activities, workshops, summer camps, and tailored rehabilitation programs that help children regain their confidence and thrive after traumatic injuries.

“Burn injuries can be life-changing, not just physically but emotionally,” Rachel explained. “The Foundation’s work is crucial in making sure children and their families don’t feel alone. That’s why we wanted to raise awareness and make sure people know about the incredible support that’s out there.”

A Big Thank You to Supporters
Liz and Rachel expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported them along the way, from donations to words of encouragement. “We couldn’t have done this without the amazing support from our friends, family, colleagues, and everyone who donated. Every penny will make a difference in the lives of the children we care for.” they said.