A GRUELLING few months lie ahead for one therapist at University College London Hospital, who is hoping to brighten up the lives of her younger patients

Tan Parsons

A GRUELLING few months lie ahead for one therapist at University College London Hospital, who is hoping to brighten up the lives of her younger patients.

Lindsey Carragher, 33, is an occupational therapist at the hospital and, like reporters Ben and Katie, she is set to take part in the Flora London Marathon on April 13.

She has called her fundraising exercise Operation Adventure, and all the proceeds will be going towards refurbishing the children's ward T11.

She said: "I have never run a marathon before but my training involves running about five miles, five times during the week and then a longer run of about nine or 10 miles at the weekend.

"Before this, the most I have ever run is about six miles - so I just need to add another 20 to it!

"It's tough but me and my iPod work well together. It's quite therapeutic and with some nice scenery there is lots of contemplation time."

Ms Carragher said she wanted to help redevelop the children's ward environment and make it more of an adventurous and inviting place for the children to be treated in, as well as making the whole hospital experience less scary.

"Having something you really want to do it for gives you a focus, particularly when the weather isn't very nice and it's dark by the time you get in," she added.

The therapist, who has been at the hospital for 18 months, hopes to raise enough money to paint murals in side rooms and decorate the ceiling of the high dependency unit. She also wants to bring in new curtains and set up a table and benches so children can eat together and increase the amount of time they spend socialising.

Ward sister Annabel Simmonds said: "Lindsey's passion for this project is amazing.

"What is really great is that she understands the ward belongs to the children and the staff, so she's been keen to involve them every step of the way.

"We all wish her lots of luck."

To sponsor Lindsey, visit justgiving. com/lindseycarragher.