This Sunday, I'm running the 10K at the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run to raise money for Horatio’s Garden.

Three years ago, our lives changed forever when my dad fell down the stairs at home. He suffered severe neck and spinal injuries, which left him permanently wheelchair-bound.

Every year, around 4,400 people in the UK sustain a spinal cord injury—something that can happen to anyone, at any time. The effects are life-changing and often devastating. Patients are transferred to one of just 11 NHS spinal injury centres across the country—often far from home. Privacy is limited, control is minimal, and rehabilitation can take up to a year.

During the most traumatic period of our lives, the support and care provided by the spinal unit were invaluable to my dad and to us as a family. A huge part of that support came from Horatio’s Garden, based within the Queen Elizabeth Spinal Unit.

There are currently 8 Horatio’s Gardens situated in spinal units across the UK, and their mission is to ensure that everyone with a spinal injury has access to a therapeutic garden as part of their recovery.

These beautiful, tranquil spaces gave us a sense of normality when everything felt upside down. We spent many visits there with my dad, outside of the hospital ward, in a calming environment surrounded by vibrant flowers. The Queen Elizabeth garden features heated pods with kitchen facilities where we could enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit together as a family.

Beyond being a place of comfort, these gardens offer horticultural therapy, areas for indoor and outdoor activities, seasonal events, and arts programmes—all funded by generous donations.

If you’re able to, please consider donating to this incredible cause that’s so close to our hearts. All proceeds will be going directly to Horatio's Garden at the Glasgow Queen Elizabeth Spinal Unit who continue to provide a much-needed sanctuary and support to spinal injury patients and their families.❤️