Nurse Runs Great Manchester 10K to Honor Nephew

A nurse at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital is set to run this month’s Great Manchester 10K run in memory of her nephew, whilst raising funds to provide movie magic for patients in the same hospital.

Chelsea Gabriel, 26, will take on the iconic Manchester event in honour of her nephew Jahziel, who was cared for at the same hospital where she now works, before he sadly passed away due to a complex genetic condition called Trisomy 13.

Chelsea, who has worked at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital for just over a year, said her experience of having a family member in the hospital brought home what being a children’s nurse really means.

She said: “We spent so much time in the hospital with Jahziel, and the support we had from nurses and ward staff was amazing.

“As a nurse, I care for patients every day. But seeing a family member become a patient being on the other side of the care – it completely changed how I see my role.”

In Jahziel’s memory, Chelsea is raising funds for the Manchester MediCinema Appeal which will transform an unused lecture theatre at Manchester Royal Infirmary into a fully accessible, 50-seat in-hospital cinema for patients and families.

The cinema will serve patients from both Manchester Royal Infirmary and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, offering a rare opportunity for patients and their families to enjoy time away from the ward in a safe and inclusive environment.

Chelsea said: “Fundraising just felt like the right thing to do. After everything the hospital did for us, I wanted to give something back and help other families going through similar situations.

“For children who are in hospital for a long time, it can be really tough. Something like MediCinema gives them something to look forward to and a chance to just be kids, without leaving the safety of the hospital. I want as many patients as possible to have that chance.”

Reflecting on her first year as a nurse, as the profession marks International Nurses Day on Tuesday 12 May, Chelsea said the role can be challenging but deeply rewarding.

“When I first started, it was really hard, especially caring for children with complex needs. But over time you find your feet, and there’s always people around you to support you, my colleagues have been a cornerstone for me. Everyone is a big team and there is a fantastic culture on the ward.

“One of the most important parts of the job is building relationships with patients and their families. You’re there during some of the hardest moments in their lives and you build such strong bonds, especially when they’re here for a long time. Seeing them progress is one of my favourite things.”

Angela Rowe, Acting Director of Manchester Foundation Trust Charity which raises funds for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s family of ten hospitals, said:

“Chelsea’s story shows how something deeply personal can turn into real support for other families going through difficult times.

“The funds raised will help us bring movie magic to our patients, giving children and families a chance to switch off, spend quality time together and feel a sense of normality during their time in hospital.

“We are incredibly grateful for Chelsea’s efforts and the difference this will make – both now and in the future.”

To donate to the Manchester MediCinema Appeal visit mftcharity.org.uk