This Sunday, a dedicated team of nurses and staff from Mountbatten Isle of Wight will take on the ABP Southampton Half Marathon to raise awareness and vital funds for the charity. Among the runners are Sister Theresa, Staff Nurse Mark O’Brien, Deputy Sister Julie, and several other colleagues.

For Theresa, this year’s run holds a deeply personal significance.

“I’m taking part for Mountbatten as I have previously, to raise funds towards all the care and support provided for our community. But this year holds a big place in my heart,” she shared.

“My lovely dad, Jimmy Mullan, died almost eight months ago, and Mountbatten Isle of Wight was there when we needed them. I know he was so proud that I worked at the hospice, and he always sponsored me in every event I took part in. 

“So, this one’s for you, Dad. We all miss you so very much and will love you dearly, always and forever.” 

Theresa will be joined by her son, Dan McNamara, as well as other members of the Mountbatten team: Mark O’Brien, who is running with his 18-year-old daughter; Julie, the deputy sister; Lauren Wheeldon, a community clinical nurse specialist; Heather Ebdon, a pharmacist; and Ashley, a pharmacy technician.

Mark, who is recovering from broken ribs after a recent cycling accident, is determined to complete the race. “I’ll be giving my all on Sunday. It’s mind over matter,” he said. For Mark, the run is about more than just personal achievement. “I’m doing this to raise awareness of Mountbatten and the gold-standard care we provide. It’s a privilege to be part of such a special team.”

Julie, who is taking part in the event for the third time, is looking forward to the camaraderie of the day. “It’s a nice local run with a great atmosphere and lots of crowd support,” she said. When asked what she’s most looking forward to, Julie laughed and said, “A glass of wine and a bowl of chips after the race!”

The Mountbatten team will gather on Sunday morning to travel to the event together. “We’ll have a photo, a fist bump, and then we’ll head to the start line,” Mark explained. 

The ABP Southampton Marathon promises to be an electric event, with thousands of runners and supporters coming together. If you’re attending the event, be sure to visit the Mountbatten stand to learn more about how you can support our work.

Sponsor the Mountbatten Isle of Wight team here: Mountbatten Isle of Wight: Team Mountbatten IOW - Theresa, Julie, Lauren, Dan, Mark, Claire, Sam, Heather, and Ashley

Good luck to our team and all the runners taking part this Sunday!