Salford teen who relearned to walk takes on Great Manchester Run for Manchester MediCinema Appeal

A 17-year-old from Salford who relearned to walk after overcoming years of serious health challenges, is preparing to take on the Great Manchester Run in support of Manchester Foundation Trust Charity’s MediCinema Appeal.

Beth Elder will join hundreds of fundraisers on 31 May, taking on the 10K event through Manchester city centre in aid of the Charity’s MediCinema Appeal which aims to create a dedicated in-hospital cinema for patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH) and Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Beth’s journey as a patient at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital began at the age of eight, when her life changed dramatically after what initially seemed like a minor fall in the park.

Beth said: “I fractured my spine in multiple places after a fall in the park and was rushed to the hospital. During treatment, the doctor noticed that my foot was hot, itchy, and struggling to bear weight.

“I had been having symptoms for months, but I was young, so I hadn’t really thought much of it. After an MRI scan several months later, I was diagnosed osteomyelitis.”

Osteomyelitis is a painful bone infection which can cause severe pain in the legs – whilst it can be treated with antibiotics, the condition can also cause long term health implications if left untreated.

Following her diagnosis, Beth spent two weeks in Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital receiving intravenous antibiotics and began a long recovery process.

Beth added: “The nerve damage in my foot meant that I struggled to walk for a couple of years and had to use a wheelchair, which I hated because I felt like I lost all my freedom.

“Relearning to walk was a long and tiring process, but the hospital staff, including the Pain Team in RMCH, were amazing and helped me through it. They believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself. Regular physiotherapy sessions allowed me to get to a point where I was able to walk independently, and I now use a crutch.”

Beth has since faced further health challenges. She was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease aged 12, which severely impacted her ability to attend school. In 2023, she was also diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a chronic nervous system disorder that affects heart rate and causes dizziness and fatigue.

She said: “I couldn’t go to school for a few years because of my Crohn’s disease. Symptoms, like having regular fainting fits, took away my energy and stamina and I was also struggling to balance schoolwork with doctors’ appointments.

I often felt isolated, and like my school didn’t know how to properly support me. From Year 6 onwards I was homeschooled, which made things easier.”

Despite all of this, Beth has found support through Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital’s Youth Service, which is funded by MFT Charity, which helps young people with long-term health conditions transition into adult services.

Beth added: “Meeting other young patients through the Youth Service has made me feel more normal. I’ve met people who understand what I’m going through, and I don’t feel like the odd one out anymore. The staff have also been extremely supportive and have made me feel seen.

“I do think they’ve helped me to gain a new sense of confidence; I’m starting college to study health and social care in September with the goal of a career in the medical profession which is something I never thought would be possible for me.”

Beth will be joined in the Great Manchester Run by other young patients and staff from the Youth Service as part of a wider team fundraising for the MediCinema Appeal.

Fronted by Rachael and Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, the appeal will transform an unused lecture theatre at Manchester Royal Infirmary into a fully accessible, 50-seat cinema for patients and their families at both Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary. The cinema will provide regular film screenings, including the latest blockbusters, offering moments of escape, comfort and shared experience for patients facing long or frequent hospital stays.

The appeal has already raised £788,000 towards its £1.1 million target.

Explaining her motivation for taking part, Beth said: “The hospital is the reason I was able to walk again, so this is my way of giving something back and creating a lasting difference for other patients.

“I think the MediCinema is a really great thing for patients who are staying in hospital for a long time, especially when you are limited in what activities you can take part in. It gives you a sense of normality, escapism, a place to relax and socialise.

“During all of my health challenges, a lot of people reduced me down to the one who couldn’t walk, so for me I never thought I’d get to this point. I’m proud to be able to prove their idea of me wrong.

“I would advise other young patients to find people who understand you and appreciate what makes you different. You’re not a burden and you can do this!”

Kathy Cowell CBE DL, Chair of Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, said: 

“Beth’s story is truly inspiring, and we’re so grateful for her support.

“The Great Manchester Run is a fantastic opportunity to come together and support our MediCinema Appeal, helping us create a space where patients and families can enjoy moments of comfort, distraction and normality during some of their most challenging times.

“Every fundraiser brings us closer to making this vision a reality, and we’d encourage anyone who can to get involved and make a difference for patients across our hospitals.”

To raise funds for the Manchester MediCinema Appeal at this year’s Great Manchester Run  visit our website.

The Half Marathon requires a £20 registration fee for the half marathon with a £200 minimum fundraising target.

The 10K Run requires a £10 registration fee with a £100 minimum fundraising target.