Jonathan runs Leeds Half Marathon for PICU
28 June 2017
The Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Leeds Children’s Hospital recently received an amazing donation from Jonathan Pendlebury, father to 11-month old Leah, who was supported on the PICU after being born prematurely.
Leah Violet (who you can see sat on mum's knee in the photo below) was born to Jonathan and Donna Pendlebury prematurely at 29 weeks and 4 days in July 2016.
Unfortunately Leah had to be rushed to PICU two days later with breathing difficulties, where she was in and out of care over the next few months due to further complications and illnesses - often requiring constant 24 hour care. Jonathan and Donna were told by doctors to prepare for the worst.
“Doctors began tough and serious conversations with us on the likely outcome that Leah and we could face,” said Jonathan, “her chances didn't look good.”
But Leah was a little fighter and was eventually discharged at the end of December 2016. She’s been cared for at home ever since.
Jonathan said: “The support, knowledge and decisions the PICU staff made allowed Leah and us every hope - and she did pull through!”
Jonathan wanted to say thank you for all the dedicated care the PICU team have given his daughter over the months since her birth, and decided to fundraise by taking on the Leeds Half Marathon.
Leeds Hospital Charitable Foundation and PICU staff, including Eleanor Hirst, Fundraising Co-ordinator; Jo Lumsden, Paediatric Consultant; and Jonathan Sutcliffe, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, met with Jonathan and Donna and their three children, Ruben, Jonah and Leah, to thank them in person for raising a fantastic £2,553.40!
A big thank you to Jon, his friends and family for all the support they have given back to the Paediatric ICU, and we wish little Leah all the best for a happy, healthy future!
