A frontline hospital worker is running in the London marathon at Sheffield’s Children Hospital to raise funds for a charity.

Elle Atkin, 30, is a Family Care Sister at Sheffield’s Children Hospital fundraising with a £3,000 target in the London marathon on behalf of REACT. 

The charity, which is reliant on donations, provides support to children with life shortening illnesses, and offers comfort, dignity, and greater autonomy for youngsters who are terminally ill. 

In her day-to-day working life, Ms Atkin actively helps families with terminally ill children affected by economic difficulties.

Ms Atkin said: “ I react to the support that they actually need, so every family is different. 

“Some families just need to have someone to talk to every day. Some families are really struggling financially.”

The hospital worker contacted the charity after seeing the opportunity on their newsletter, and as Msً White often runs 10km, she took it as a challenge.

After hearing a voicemail from REACT’s operation manager, Ben White, 30, she “felt privileged” to hear they were impressed with her application.

Mr White shared how important it is to support families that have fallen through the cracks of the system.

The charity partially funds the runners’ spot in the London marathon.

Mr White said: “The fundraising target if they meet that level is an equivalent of equipment it could provide a child.” 

The charity is not restricted in the support they can give to a specific child as long as they are terminally ill. 

Ms Atkin will head to the start line for the race in Spring 2026.

As a front line worker she is aware of how impactful the charity is and is proud to be a part of the process.

She has been preparing for her run each day with the support of her partner, combining high intensity marathon training with healthy eating. 

Ms Atkin has currently raised £895 of her £3000 goal. You can support Elle Atkin as she fundraises for the charity here.