Good luck to the “Paediatric Pacers” – a team of seven dedicated paediatric staff members from Morriston Hospital who are lacing up their trainers and taking on the Swansea Half Marathon on 7 June in support of Swansea Bay Health Charity!

The team has already raised more than £900, with funds going towards enhancing the experience of children and families receiving care on the paediatric ward.

Driven by a shared passion for family-centred care, the team wanted to do something that would make a real and lasting difference for patients and families during their time in hospital.

Healthcare Support Worker, Megan Williams, said:

“Family centred care is really important to us in paediatrics, and we want to facilitate a ‘home from home’ environment for patients and their families. Working on the wards, we can see first hand where we lack resources for these families and fundraising could help to improve this.”

The Paediatric Pacers are raising funds to provide essential items and everyday comforts that can help make hospital stays a little easier during what is often a stressful and uncertain time for families.

On their fundraising page, the team shared:

“The funds raised will go directly towards items that are often needed but not always readily available, such as sanitary products, maternity pads, dummies, NG tapes and sensory toys.

“While these may seem like small things, they play a vital role in supporting both practical needs and emotional wellbeing during what can be a stressful and uncertain time.”

The challenge has not only brought benefits to patients and families – it has also brought the team even closer together.

“We have been able to arrange multiple meet ups and practice runs — of course with a coffee stop afterwards! — supporting each other and motivating each other along the way,” Megan added.

“As nursing staff you spend long hours with colleagues and develop great working relationships. We have grown to gain great friendships, and we feel so lucky to have this team behind us.”

Their efforts are a brilliant example of how fundraising can make a meaningful difference to local healthcare services and patient wellbeing across Swansea Bay.

Feeling inspired? Whether it’s taking on a sporting challenge, hosting a coffee morning or organising a community fundraiser, every donation helps Swansea Bay Health Charity support enhanced spaces, high-tech equipment, staff wellbeing and training, patient and family wellbeing, and pioneering research across Swansea Bay University Health Board.

Good luck, Paediatric Pacers – we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!