Longton schoolgirl to join Rainbow Run fundraiser for Royal Preston Hospital

A seven-year-old Longton girl will take part in the Rainbow Run fundraiser next month.

Longton Primary School pupil Petra Sindall signed up for the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals event, which runs in October, to raise funds for the £1 million Children’s Appeal.

The funds raised will improve the children’s ward and paediatric outpatients department at Royal Preston Hospital.

Petra, who lives with mum Julie, dad Paul and big brother Lennon, 14, will walk and cycle for her Rainbow Run between Monday 18 to Sunday 24 October.

When she was four years old, Petra contracted pneumonia and was admitted to the children’s ward. The infection left her with respiratory problems, for which she is still undergoing treatment.

Julie said: “I don’t know what we would have done without the care and treatment of staff on the children’s ward and in outpatients.

“Pneumonia has left Petra very susceptible to respiratory infections. From now until March is the worst time of year for her to become ill.

“She has been in the hospital a number of times and is keen to take part in the Rainbow Run to help the Children’s Appeal as a thank you to all the doctors and nurses who have looked after her and to make having to stay in the hospital less scary.”

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity held its first Rainbow Run last year, with the funds raised donated to several projects that benefitted patients.

Registration for this year’s run has just opened. By signing up, participants agree to take on a sponsored challenge for the Children’s Appeal during the week of Monday 18 to Sunday 24 October.

Fundraising manager Roya Armstrong said: “We are delighted that Petra and her family have chosen to support our Rainbow Run 2021!

“The charity team would like to wish her the very best of luck in her challenge. We encourage anyone who would like to support their local NHS charity to get involved, as this is the perfect way to support our Children’s Appeal, for which we aim to raise £1 million.

“Whether you want to do regular walks with colleagues, do a half or full marathon, or get some exercise with the kids, any support is appreciated and will help to make a huge difference to the lives of our young patients.”

To donate to Petra’s fundraiser, visit- https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Julie-Sindall

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