Poppy Burns

Nearly Half Way There!

Well… it started well at least!

I managed 3.3km over three days while on a little staycation down West, and got to swim in some pretty amazing places too. SeaSpace in Newquay was great, and then a real treat at Carbis Bay Hotel, although it did mean A LOT of lengths in their 15m pool!

Progress has taken a slight pause after I dropped a trailer on my foot last week (not ideal…), but I’m back at it tomorrow.

My nephew Arlo was born on 18th July 2023 with a cleft lip and palate. As a family, we honestly had no idea how serious it would be, and at the beginning it was a huge shock.

But what’s come out of it has been something pretty amazing. The strength and determination in such a tiny person is hard to put into words. He’s just a baby, but he’s already shown more bravery than most of us ever will.

And then there’s the team at Great Ormond Street Hospital. I don’t think we’ll ever be able to properly thank them. Arlo’s surgeon, Mr Morris, is basically a hero in our family. Arlo has already been through three operations, each time being put to sleep, which is something no child should have to go through, but the care he’s had has been unbelievable.

GOSH haven’t just looked after Arlo, they’ve looked after all of us. They’ve made a terrifying situation feel manageable, and supported us every step of the way. It’s hard not to feel emotional thinking about what they do every day for families like ours.

I’m doing this swim for Arlo, and for all the other kids out there who need GOSH.

I’m swimming 8km in March for GOSH Charity! 

My nephew Arlo was born on 18th July 2023 with a cleft lip and palate. As a family, we honestly had no idea how serious it would be, and at the beginning it was a huge shock.

But what’s come out of it has been something pretty amazing. The strength and determination in such a tiny person is hard to put into words. He’s just a baby, but he’s already shown more bravery than most of us ever will.

And then there’s the team at Great Ormond Street Hospital. I don’t think we’ll ever be able to properly thank them. Arlo’s surgeon, Mr Morris, is basically a hero in our family. Arlo has already been through three operations, each time being put to sleep, which is something no child should have to go through, but the care he’s had has been unbelievable.

GOSH haven’t just looked after Arlo, they’ve looked after all of us. They’ve made a terrifying situation feel manageable, and supported us every step of the way. It’s hard not to feel emotional thinking about what they do every day for families like ours.

I’m doing this swim for Arlo, and for all the other kids out there who need GOSH.