Four-year-old Zion has been in the care of King’s College Hospital since before he was born.
Diagnosed with spina bifida, Zion’s spine and spinal cord did not develop properly in the womb. And like many babies born with spina bifida, Zion also developed hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid on the brain.
To date, Zion has had eleven surgeries including five brain surgeries and a spinal operation. Karen is so thankful for the support of Zion's care team, she decided to fundraise through the Kilometres for King's challenge.
So far, more than 350 people have taken part in the Kilometres for King’s challenge and walked, cycled, climbed, skipped, and even three-legged raced in support of our hospitals.
Karen is lacing up her trainers with a goal to walk 500km by the 31st of May.
"I am wanting to lose weight, become fitter, and if I am able to raise money for King's then that is just amazing as it's always been something I have wanted to do," Karen says.
Karen has already surpassed her fundraising target, and raised an amazing £1675 for King's. Her final walking route will be extra special- the 14km journey from her house to King's College Hospital.
Stories like Karen's are a reminder to celebrate other inspirational mothers who have fundraised for King's.
- Clare, who is skipping 5km with her little girls to say thanks for King's for looking after her friend's child, Isla after she had brain surgery, and also in memory of Isla's dear sister, Maisy, who sadly passed away.
- Deborah, who is completing her challenge to say thank you for King's for saving her and her daughter Holly's life when complications arose during Holly's birth.
- Shohreh, who is a staff member at King's who walked 5km with her family.