Dad runs London Marathon to raise money for Evelina London

When Stuart Paterson lines up at the start of the London Marathon on 26 April, it will mark exactly 4 years since Evelina London Children’s Hospital became part of his family’s life. 

The 37-year old, who works as a finance manager for media, is running for Evelina London Children’s Charity, which supports the hospital that has cared for his 3-year-old daughter Luna through some of the most challenging years of her young life.

Luna was born in April 2022 with a kidney condition which required close monitoring and surgery in her early years. Stuart and his partner knew hospital care would be part of Luna’s journey, but the Kent-based family did not expect how central Evelina London would become to their lives. 

At 10 months old, Luna had her first stay on the hospital’s Mountain ward with suspected Kawasaki disease - a rare condition that causes the blood vessels to swell and can lead to heart problems if it's not treated early.    

When her symptoms returned 5 months later, she faced a lengthy hospital stay and was eventually diagnosed with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA), a serious inflammatory condition which can cause daily fevers, pain in the joints, rashes, and occasionally, inflammation of the internal organs. 

She was then placed under the care of Evelina London’s specialist rheumatology team. 

Over the past 3 years, Luna’s care has involved managing arthritic and inflammatory flares, medication changes and side effects, numerous blood tests, infections, neutropenia (a low number of white blood cells that makes it harder for the body to fight infections) and anaemia. Alongside this she has undergone successful kidney surgery and regularly attends physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, haematology, eye and imaging appointments. She also receives fortnightly infusions on Snow Fox ward at Evelina London. 

Throughout it all, Stuart says the Evelina London team have supported both Luna and their whole family. Despite everything she has faced, Luna continues to approach life with remarkable resilience.  

Stuart said: “Luna lives life to the full and won't be slowed down by her condition. Despite what they entail, she strangely looks forward to our trips to Evelina London as it's a chance to see her nurse and doctor friends. She even gets home and still wants to play hospitals.” 

He also highlights the difference Evelina London Children’s Charity makes to the hospital experience for children and families. 

Stuart said: “Without the charity, Evelina London Children’s Hospital would be just that, a hospital. There is fun and magic bursting from a lot of the staff, but it's amplified tenfold by the provision of toys, colour, sensory objects, stickers, a team of play specialists, homeliness, fun spaces and everything else.” 

Although there are still uncertainties ahead, the family say they take comfort in knowing Evelina London will continue to support Luna as she grows up. 

Stuart said: “Although there’s still a lot of unknowns in Luna's future with this condition, we rest a little easier knowing that Evelina London, and all its incredible staff, are there to help us on the way.” 

More than 103,000 children and young people receive care from Evelina London each year. Donations to Evelina London Children’s Charity help fund pioneering research, therapeutic play, family support and enhancements to the hospital environment that go beyond core NHS funding. 

Stuart added: “Evelina London will have been part of our lives for precisely 4 years when I take my place at the start line, and this is my chance to give something back to help ensure the vital care they offer can continue for all the families who need it now and in the future.” 

Dr Nadia Rafiq, a consultant paediatric rheumatologist at Evelina London who is involved in Luna’s care, said: “Luna has faced a complex set of health challenges from a very young age, but she continues to show remarkable resilience and positivity. It has been a privilege to care for her and support her family over the past few years. 

Stories like Luna’s highlight not only the importance of care by a specialist team, but also the vital role that charitable support plays in helping children feel safe, supported and able to thrive despite serious illness. 

“We are so grateful to our incredible supporters, like Stuart, who choose to take on challenges to support Evelina London and would like to extend a huge thank you to him and all of this year's runners.”  

Rob Halkyard, Executive Director of Evelina London Children’s Charity said: “Families don’t just need world-class medical care, they need moments of comfort, play and normality during incredibly difficult times.   

“Thanks to supporters like Stuart, we enable the hospital to go above and beyond with funding for everything from specialist play teams to welcoming spaces that help children like Luna feel safe and supported.  

“We’re so grateful to him for taking on the London Marathon and helping us be there for every child and family who needs us.”