Marathon runner raises funds to help hospital children

Marathon runner Mark Burns with children's nurse Sarah Logan and the "ditto" device. Photo: Dave Donaldson

A marathon runner has raised more than £1,500 for NHS Shetland’s children’s department – paying for new equipment for children in hospital.

Mark Burns, an electrical inspector on the new Shetland gas plant, completed the Kielder Marathon in Northumberland last autumn.

His donation paid for a “ditto” device and software. The system includes interactive games and information designed to distract and educate traumatised children.

NHS Shetland said this will potentially help any child when they are in hospital, for emergency or planned treatment.

Sarah Logan, children’s nurse for NHS Shetland, was delighted to accept the new equipment.

She said: “I would like to thank Mark for thinking of helping local children’s healthcare with the fantastic amount of money he has raised – the machines are already making a difference for patients when they come into the hospital.”

Mark thanked his family and friends, and work colleagues for their generous donations.