Why I walked 53km for young people who walk a tougher path every day – Michael's story
Michael Horne has spent the past two years working for the NUH Youth Service and supporting some of Nottingham’s young and teenage patients. He wanted to do something special for the patients he supports by taking on the Peak District Ultra Challenge during the hottest weekend of the year. He told us in his own words why he took on this difficult challenge.
“For over two years, I’ve had the absolute privilege of working as the Emotional Health Youth Worker for the NUH Youth Service. In that time, I’ve met some of the most incredible young people that I’ve ever known. Young people living with long-term health conditions that are often complex, often invisible, and always challenging.
I’ve been fortunate enough to work in schools, residential care, youth clubs, and overseas projects. But nothing has compared to the strength and resilience I have witnessed at Nottingham hospitals. These young people face daily hurdles, from physical pain and fatigue through to interrupted education, social isolation and the ongoing emotional toll of ongoing medical care. Yet this despite this, they continue to grow, connect and move forward.
Being part of their journey, even for a short time, is a profound and humbling experience.
To help support them and raise awareness of the NUH Youth Service, I decided to take on the Peak District Ultra Marathon, which is a 53km loop through some of the UK’s most challenging terrain, which happened to take part this year on the hottest day of the year so far.
The first half of the hike was genuinely beautiful. The sweeping views, fresh air, and the feeling of freedom reminded me how lucky I was to simply be outside and moving. I felt grounded, grateful and proud to be doing something with a real purpose.
During the second half, the heat rose, and miles dragged on, the challenge shifted from enjoyable to overwhelming. By the third checkpoint, I was exhausted, physically and emotionally drained and fighting back tears. I really wanted to stop. But then I thought of all the young people I have worked with.
They don’t get to choose when the pain stops. They can’t step away from their conditions. They wake up every day facing fear, fatigue, and discomfort and despite this, they keep going. That thought alone helped me push through.
After nearly 13 hours, I crossed the finish line, aching, emotional, and full of renewed perspective. What I experienced in one day, was just a glimpse of what young patients go through, and it reaffirmed everything I believed about the importance of the NUH Youth Service.
NUH Youth Service helps young people discover their strength within themselves and in one another.
I’ll continue to support Nottingham Hospitals Charity and the NUH Youth Service in any way I can. I offer my heartfelt commendation to the staff, volunteers, and most of all, to the young people whose resilience continues to inspire me every day.”
A huge thank you to Michael for taking on this immense challenge in support of the Youth Service.
If you would like to donate to the NUH Youth Service to support young patients, please click the button below.