A NURSE at the Trust which runs two Shropshire hospitals has smashed her half marathon fundraising target.

Sarah Voice, a specialist nurse in the Anticoagulation Team at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), raised almost £690 by taking on the Village Bakery Half Marathon in Wrexham on Sunday.

The money means Shropshire Anticoagulation Service can now purchase two “Coaguchek” machines to donate to children and families in need so children can avoid the need for a child to go to hospital and give a blood sample.

Anticoagulation, which prevents or slows down the clotting of the blood, is used in patients who have had a condition caused by several things including blood clots, strokes and heart attacks.

It can also be used to treat patients with an increased risk of developing harmful blood clots.

The Anticoagulation Team at SaTH supports both adults and children with their anticoagulation dosing regimes.

With children, the use of a Coaguchek machine can avoid the need for a blood sample out of the arm, minimising distress for the child whilst also providing an instant result after a finger prick test is undertaken. While this can be done in the hospital, there are also ‘self-testing’ machines available.

Sarah, who is based at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH), said: “I enjoyed every single step of the half marathon. It was fantastic to see so many people taking part and supporting each other during the run.

“I managed to complete the raise in 2hrs 9mins and 16secs. Because of the generosity shown by family, friends and the public, Shropshire Anticoagulation Service are now able to purchase and donate two Coaguchek Machines for two children and families in need.”

“I will be forever grateful for everyone's support.”