Linden Lodge gave my sister’s partner his life back
When Rhiannon witnessed her sister’s partner Luke being struck down with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, she knew that she wanted to give back to the unit who gave him his independence back. With the help of the team at Linden Lodge rehabilitation unit, Luke learnt to walk and use his facial muscles again.
To say thank you, Rhiannon has already taken on one half marathon, and is planning to join our band of runners at this year’s Robin Hood Half Marathon too. Rhiannon explains below:
“I’m originally from Hucknall, but now I live in the Canary Islands, I felt compelled to give something back to the place that supported my family during one of the most challenging times of our lives.
When Luke suffered a life-changing injury that left him paralysed and unable to move even his facial muscles, the team across Nottingham’s NHS helped support him, including the incredible team at the specialist rehabilitation unit Linden Lodge. The staff worked tirelessly with him, not only helping him regain his strength, but also helping him to walk again. What they achieved felt nothing short of a miracle.
I decided to take on the Lanzarote Half Marathon in honour of the incredible care Luke received and I wanted it to go specifically to Linden Lodge to say thank you for their dedication, skill, compassion and for giving our family hope when it looked like there might not be any.
As time has passed, I’ve found myself reflecting more deeply on just how much Nottingham’s hospitals have done for not only Luke, but for me and so many of my loved ones over the years. From providing emergency care to long-term support, they’ve always been there quietly, consistently and always with heart.
That’s why I’m taking on my second half marathon. This one is for all the teams across Nottingham’s hospitals, who continue to show up for all the people in need and in their most vulnerable moments.
Nottingham’s NHS hospitals are a cornerstone of this amazing city that I’m proud to be from. They all deserve all the support we can give and this is my way of saying thank you.
I’m also proud to say Luke is now giving back too. He’s serving as a rehabilitation ambassador and using his journey to inspire others in a similar situation to what he was in.
We’ll forever be grateful to everyone at Nottingham hospitals for the strength, compassion and care they continue to give. Not just to our family, but to so many others in the Nottingham community and beyond.”
We’re so grateful to Rhiannon for taking on two challenges in support of Nottingham’s NHS hospitals.
If you would like to take on your own challenge in support of an area that has helped you or a loved one, get in touch with our team today.