Emily Pickard

Why I’m fundraising

In December 2024, our world was turned upside down. My daughter was diagnosed with RSV, and within hours we found ourselves in the pediatric intensive care unit at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. From December 15th to January 1st, she fought for her life—hooked up to life support—while my partner and I remained by her side, clinging to hope and praying she would pull through.

We spent Christmas in the hospital—far from home, yet surrounded by the unwavering compassion of an extraordinary team of doctors and nurses. Their care went beyond medical treatment; they offered us kindness, comfort, and a glimmer of hope during the darkest days of our lives. They didn’t just save our daughter’s life—they held us up when we were at our most broken.

The hospital also provided a place for my partner and me to stay throughout her time in intensive care. This accommodation—made possible through a charity-run service—meant we could stay close to our daughter without the additional worry of finding somewhere to sleep. It gave us the stability and peace of mind we needed to focus entirely on supporting her.

Now, I want to give something back.

On Saturday 4th October, I’ll be abseiling down a building at the University of Sheffield to raise funds for the hospital and the vital charity-run services that support families like mine. Am I scared? Absolutely. But if my little girl can fight RSV with everything she had, I can find the courage to do this for her—and for every family who will walk a similar path.

This fundraiser isn’t just about our story. It’s for every child who needs urgent, specialist care… for every parent who sits by a hospital bed, hoping for a miracle… and for the incredible staff who make those miracles happen every day.

Please support if you can. Every donation—big or small—makes a real difference.