On 29th and 30th June 2019, myself and six friends will be taking part in The Cotswold Way Challenge, walking 100km, from Bath to Cheltenham - every step we take will be in memory of our dear friend Dawn and also help to raise funds for the Critical Care Unit at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. 

On Sunday 5th  August2018, Dawn passed away after 56 days in hospital. For 46 of those days, Dawn was in the Critical Care Unit (ICU) at Gloucester Royal Hospital, where she was cared for 24hrs a day, by a team of dedicated and caring staff. After an operation to try and find out what was causing Dawn's problems, her family were initially told that she would not make the night. But with the commitment of the doctors and nurses and Dawn's own determination, she fought for over a month and a half. 

After weeks of hope, fear, anxiety and sadness Dawn lost her life - a day made even more heartfelt, because it was her birthday. She has left a huge gap in the lives of her two sons, Tom and Ross, her husband Rob and all those who knew her. 

During Dawn's time in the ICU, the care she received was wonderful and it is for that reason that we have decided to raise funds for the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital Critical Care Unit. This will help towards supporting them in their efforts to ensure that critically ill patients and their families are provided with the highest standard of care and support at a time that can feel frightening, bewildering and emotionally draining. 

Any donation, however big or small, will make a difference to so many patients, staff and families.

Thank you, from all of us.