Next month, Ward 6 Nursing Associate, Jess Pamment​, is running the Leeds Half Marathon with close friends and family for a cause very close to her heart, after the tragic loss of her 10-year-old niece Viola.

Jess said: “On the 28th of December, Viola died suddenly and unexpectedly. This has been a horrific time as a family, especially for my sister, her husband and other children.

“One thing that did help were the memory boxes provided by 4Louis. They were able to create hand and footprints. They also provided a teddy which stayed with Vi, and another which was given to her siblings. They were also provided with resources and support at the hardest time of their lives.

 “4Louis is a charity which relies on donations, so we’ve decided to run the Leeds Half Marathon on the 11th of May in memory of Vi, to raise as much as possible to ensure other families that experience the loss of a child can access this resource to help with the initial grief.

"Around 40 children die suddenly each year so if we manage to raise £1,400 it would cover every family getting one in the worst moment of their life. We're almost at our £1000 target, but would love to exceed this. We use these memory boxes at CHFT, and they do incredible work. 

“I have been focusing on my training whilst struggling so much with grief after losing my beautiful niece and each donation, words of support and share means so much and pushes me to keep going. Vi was always an incredible little runner, and I’d like to thank each and every person who has or will support us."

"We're using the hashtag #BeMoreVi to encourage others to do more of what Viola did. She would always go play with someone if they were alone, smile at people, sing loudly (she was blessed with a gorgeous voice), she was kind to all people and animals and cared about the things that really mattered and we try get people to be more Vi in every day life." 

You can read more on Jess's fundraising page.

The photo shows Viola, Jess with her mum Vicky, brother Sam and friend Brooke at a practice run, and Jess in uniform.