Loving mum joins daughter Eva in Electric Run to thank sick children’s charity

A loving mum and her 15 month-old daughter, Eva, are taking part in Wembley Park’s Electric Run on Saturday 2nd May to raise money for The Sick Children’s Trust­ - a charity which supported her family when Eva was being treated in intensive care.

Glow sticks in hand, Eva and Claire O’Brien will be joined by Eva’s Auntie Karin and honorary Auntie Anna to navigate her decorated buggy around the 5km route.

Eva was born 10 weeks early weighing just 525 grams at University College Hospital, London, on the 22nd of December 2013. Doctors immediately noticed that something was wrong and, after checking on Eva’s condition, the family was told that her trachea wasn’t connected to her stomach and she would needed emergency surgery at the Royal London Hospital.

Claire O’Brien and her husband Eddie were given a free room to stay in at Stevenson House, a ‘Home from Home’ provided by The Sick Children’s Trust. The charity provides high-quality ‘Home from Home’ accommodation, as well as emotional and practical support, for families who have seriously ill children in hospital. Claire says:

“This was the most amazing gesture as it meant that we didn't have to travel over an hour from home to be by Eva's side. To be so close to the hospital ensured that despite the barrier of an incubator, we got to bond and care for Eva. We were always within running distance when the calls came to alert us of her health changes.

“Stevenson House not only provided a bed, but a warm and friendly environment where we could relax after a stressful day on the ward, talk with other parents who were caring for sick children and have proper meals. But most importantly, on days when Eva was very poorly we were only two minutes away from the hospital.

“We would be delighted if you could help us support this amazing charity that works tirelessly to assist families at one of the most stressful times.”

Alan Booth, Stevenson House manager says:

“It’s great to hear that Eva is doing well and their experiences demonstrate just how vital our ‘Home from Home’ accommodation is and the huge difference it makes to families at a time of unbelievable stress. We are funded entirely by voluntary income and it costs us £28 a night to provide a warm, comfortable room, so the money raised by Clairewill continue to help families during a difficult time in their lives. I’d like to thank Claire and her friends and family for their generous support.”

To donate please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/Evas1stElectricRun/