A mum from Maidstone is running a half marathon to thank staff who cared for her daughter, following years of support from the Paediatric Ophthalmology Department at Maidstone Hospital.

Laura Kennedy is taking on the Royal Parks Half Marathon next month to raise funds for the Hospital’s dedicated charity, the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Charitable Fund.

Laura’s eldest daughter, Isla (eight), was diagnosed with left anisometropic amblyopia and bilateral crowded optic discs aged five. Isla is affected by significant Hypermetropia, a problem with the eyes focusing that can affect vision at all distances.

Laura who works for the Trust as Fundraising Manager said:

“Isla’s diagnosis was a real shock as there is no family history of childhood eye impairments. The staff have been great over the years and really listened to us as a family. It’s just nice to be able to give something back in a small way and I am hoping to raise £500. Isla is now flourishing at school in Primary 4 and her eyesight has now stabilised which is brilliant.”

The Trust’s Department of Ophthalmology at the Eye Ear and Mouth Unit (EEMU) is the largest specialised eye unit in the South-East of England.

To sponsor Laura, donate via www.justgiving.com/runningformtw or send a cheque made payable to Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust to Sue Osborne, Finance Department, Level 1, Trust Management, Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, ME16 9QQ.

The Royal Parks Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 13 October

For more information on the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Charitable Fund please contact Laura via laura.kennedy8@nhs.net