12-year-old Kara is no stranger to hospitals. As a baby, she spent two months on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after being born with a condition called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) caused by a hole in the diaphragm.

Kara’s parents cannot thank staff enough for saving their daughter’s life, “We are eternally grateful for the care given to not just Kara, but all of us as a family. We weren’t sure if she was going to make it in the first days and weeks, but the hospital staff helped us get through quite possibly the most difficult period of our lives, they went above and beyond which is testament to what the NHS provide on a daily basis.”

Although Kara no longer needs treatment to manage her condition, she is still classed as high risk during the current pandemic.

Kara decided to fundraise for Leeds Cares by walking 50km on a treadmill and after raising more than her initial £500 target within days, is hoping to reach £750.

Kara’s mum also works at Leeds General Infirmary as a Clinical Support Nurse and was recently reassigned to a COVID (ICU) Intensive Care Unit, so knows first-hand the difference Kara’s fundraising can make.

Her dad Tom said, “We’re so proud of Kara. Now more than ever, the NHS needs our help, if you can fundraise to support your local hospitals, now is the time to help raise funds for NHS staff, patients and families.”

The money raised through Kara’s fundraising efforts will go towards Leeds Cares ‘Support your NHS hospitals’ Appeal, providing vital support to frontline staff like Kara’s mum and to help patients and families at this uncertain time.

Kara’s fundraising will help fund things like, comfort packs for staff who must stay overnight at short notice, or a chaplain for a day, to support staff and patients in need.

Support Kara's efforts by donating to her fundraising page.