On Saturday 13 May over 350 people took part in the first ever Children's unit 10K event.  

The event took place at Hinchingbrooke Country Park where people took part in a 5k or 10k run, or a 5k walk and buggy/wheelchair push. The participants were of all ages, from 8 week old babies in prams to grandparents. They included staff, patients and their families and members of the general public.

Matthew Winn, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust which runs Holly ~Ward and the Special Care Baby Unit was there to start both the run and the buggy push and said: “We were overwhelmed by the fabulous support shown by local families who, alongside our amazing staff, did a fantastic job raising funds for our children’s services.

“A huge thank you also to staff, the Rotary Club and members of Dreamdrops (Huntingdon’s Children’s Charity) who helped marshal the event, as well as the Kier Group, Tesco and Little Aqua Swim for sponsoring us and raising money for new equipment. The atmosphere was fantastic and everyone had a great time.”

The event was the brain child of Dr Kate Riley and Staff Nurse, Kathryn Childs, who after struggling to put a drip in an unwell toddler decided that if they had a piece of equipment called an Accuvein the procedure would have been easier and more importantly less traumatic for their young patient.

Kate said: “The Accuvein is a special infra-red light which allows the position of blood vessels not visible to the naked eye to be identified. The cost of this device is £3000 and the majority of those in use around the country are purchased following fund raising events. Every penny raised by the participants will be used towards the purchase of the Accuvein.

“I am so pleased with how the event went and I am delighted that we will almost certainly be able to buy the equipment we need to make blood tests and drips easier for babies and children. I want to say a huge thank you to all involved – and yes we may do it again next year!”

The target was to raise £7000 to cover the cost of two Accuveins and stands. Thanks to everyone’s support they have already raised over £6000! Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so via the justgiving page at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/childrensunit10k