German woman’s marathon effort for sick kids in Birmingham

A kind-hearted German woman has put her best foot forward for sick kids, walking five marathons over five days and raising £1,995 for our charity.

Sarah Koblitz from Rüsselsheim in Germany, covered 210km on behalf of our Children’s Hospital after her favourite singer, Bradley Simpson of The Vamps, shared his support for the charity, who he’s an ambassador of, on social media. Inspired by his passion, Sarah felt moved to help a hospital hundreds of miles away from her hometown.

Sarah is already a committed volunteer at her local hospital, helping out in its playroom and reading to young patients. She saw this fundraising as an opportunity to continue her support of sick kids both at home and overseas.

Sarah regularly volunteers with young patients at her local hospital in Germany

Despite not being naturally sporty, Sarah set herself the five-day long distance walking challenge with hopes to raise at least €800 for the cause. She held a special fundraising Summer Gala for kids in Rüsselsheim to raise more funds, and thanks to the generous help of family, friends and her community, more than doubled her goal, raising over €2,320, or £1,995.

The support boosted Sarah on her marathon challenge, which was undeniably tough. There were moments of extreme exhaustion and pain, and at times, she wondered how she could keep going. But the thought of helping Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s brave patients gave her the strength she needed, inspiring her to put her best foot forward.

When Sarah finally crossed the finish line on the fifth day, her friends and family were all there waiting for her. The good-hearted fundraiser was completely overwhelmed upon completing her challenge and deeply moved with gratitude for everyone who’d supported her.

There is no stopping Sarah’s enthusiasm for helping Birmingham Children’s Hospital and she already has future fundraising plans in the works, including a magical charity Christmas gala with the theme ‘Smiles Under Christmas Lights’.

Sarah said: “I love helping others, especially children and young people. Growing up, I had to go to hospital sometimes and was often alone. It was a very clinical place, and it wasn’t a good experience for a child. I want to help make hospital nicer and more comfortable for sick children.

“Completing this challenge was a complete honour. For me, it was never really about the marathons. It was about making brave young patients feel seen, heard and remembered, showing them that they are not alone.”

Annie Eytle, Head of Public Fundraising, said: “Birmingham Children’s Hospital is a centre of paediatric excellence, treating children from all over the UK and even from around the world. Sarah’s phenomenal efforts show that kindness and compassion can make a difference wherever you live, and we are so appreciative of her support.

“Her hard work will help us go further for our patients, providing the best possible care, treatments and environments.”