Fundraiser Races To Success For Sick Kids

Dale Harris, 31, a fundraising officer at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity has taken on the iconic Great North Run and raised over £500 for the sick kids being treated at his workplace. 

Dale is reminded every day how vital charity funds are to providing the best care, treatment and experience for the 100,000 children treated at the hospital every year. 

As part of his role, Dale encourages others to take on challenges to raise money for the hospital and having now worked with the fundraising team for 14 months, he decided to challenge himself and set his sights on the famous Great North Run. 

Dale said: “Having been privileged enough to see what some of our amazing supporters have done since joining the charity, as well as seeing some of the incredible and life changing things that the charity funds, I really wanted to set myself a challenge and help contribute to supporting this fantastic hospital.” 

As the challenge loomed, the nerves set in for Dale, but he stepped up his training to make sure he was ready for the big day. As he headed up to Newcastle to take on the run, he thought of the support from his colleagues, family and the patients he was running for, and his confidence grew. 

Dale set off on the 13.1 mile route with thousands of other runners. The blaring sun made it an uncomfortable race, but Dale persevered and victoriously finished with the Mo Farah signature pose. 

Dale added: “My role at Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity means I get to see the impact our charity makes first hand. I am always so inspired by our patients, families and supporters and feel really lucky to call this my job. Taking on the run was the least I could do to raise vitals funds and awareness for our hospital and charity.”

Miranda Williams, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “Dale knows all about the incredible work that goes on inside our hospital thanks to fundraising, it was no surprise he wanted to get stuck in. We couldn’t be prouder of him.” 

“The incredible funds he’s raised will make a big difference to the lives of our brave children and their families as we continue our plans to improve our hospital – enabling us to treat even more children from Birmingham, the West Midlands and around the country.”