17 February 2026
Ria’s marathon mission to say thank you for her mum’s care
After witnessing the care her mum received at University Hospital Southampton (UHS), nursing student Ria is lacing up her trainers for the ABP Southampton Half Marathon.
When Ria’s mum began experiencing persistent headaches just over two years ago, the family had no idea of the journey that lay ahead. After an initial A&E visit, her mum was eventually diagnosed with a cerebellum haemangioblastoma – also called a benign brain tumour. Their local hospital was unable to carry out the operation she needed, so she was transferred to UHS for surgery.
It was a frightening time for the whole family. But UHS, with its specialist neurology expertise, quickly put them at ease:
“We knew we could trust the staff to take care of my mum. She was up and out of bed on the day of her surgery – and was home just two days later.”
Ria credits that remarkable turnaround to every member of the team who looked after her mum: the physiotherapists, nurses, healthcare support assistants, doctors and everyone in between who played a part in her recovery.
A life-changing decision
During her mum’s hospital stay and recovery, Ria was busy applying to universities, including University of Southampton. The exceptional care she witnessed first-hand helped make her mind up.
“Seeing my mum receive such amazing care at UHS helped me decide to study Nursing at University of Southampton. I am forever grateful for all that the staff did for me and my mum, and for the facilities the hospital provides for patients and their families.”
Now a student nurse herself, Ria has a deeply personal understanding of just how much difference compassionate care can make which is exactly why she’s signed up for the ABP Southampton Half Marathon raising funds for Southampton Hospitals Charity.
A special thank you to student nurses
When we asked Ria if there was anyone at the hospital she’d like to give a special shout-out to, her answer was clear:
“I would personally like to say thank you to all the student nurses who cared for my mum. I’m not just saying that because I’m also a student nurse even though I do have an added appreciation for them. It goes beyond that. Even learning the names of my family members made such a difference. It builds connection amidst a challenging time.”
It’s a wonderful reminder that the small, thoughtful gestures – remembering a name, offering a smile – can mean the world to families during their most difficult moments
Why run for Southampton Hospitals Charity?
For Ria, the decision to fundraise was a natural one. She describes Southampton Hospitals Charity as “an amazing, patient-centred charity” and sees the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival as the perfect opportunity to give something back.
“The festival provides an easy way to donate to the incredible charity, as well as accessible ways to share fundraising pages, allowing even more people to donate and helping more patients.”
Thinking of joining in?
If you’ve been thinking about taking part in the ABP Southampton Marathon, Ria has a clear message for you:
“Go for it! You get to run with an amazing community around you, and along the way, people are cheering you on and pushing you to keep going. It’s going to be such a surreal experience. Sign up and join the excitement – you won’t regret it!”
Join Ria and the many other incredible SHC runners at the ABP Southampton Marathon Festival. Every step you take helps fund better care for patients and their families at your local hospital.