Wirral Mum's Fitness Journey Fuels Fundraising for Hospital That Cared for Her Family
A Wirral mother, whose two children both required neonatal care at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, is giving back to the Children's Ward that supported her family during some of the most challenging moments of her life. Kirsty Lewis, a 36-year-old from Wallasey, works as a Women's Health and Fitness Coach at Snap Fitness and has spent the past two years fundraising for WUTH Charity.
Her efforts are deeply personal, driven by her own experiences of living with Crohn's disease and becoming a mother. Kirsty's connection to the hospital is profound, as both her son and step-son were born on the neonatal unit at Wirral Women and Children's Hospital, located at the Trust's Arrowe Park site. Additionally, she required hospital care herself when her baby was just three months old.
Lasting Impact of Compassionate Care
The care and compassion her family received left a lasting impression on Kirsty. She reflected on those early days, describing them as overwhelming at times, but praised the incredible staff on the Children's Ward for looking after both her children and herself. Kirsty emphasized that these hospitals supported her family during vulnerable moments, making it feel natural to give something back when she was able.
Living with Crohn's disease became a turning point in Kirsty's life and career. After discovering how strength training, nutrition, and mindset practices like yoga and meditation transformed her health, she moved into the fitness and wellbeing industry. Her approach focuses on long-term resilience and health-first strategies, rather than quick fixes or appearance.
Fundraising Challenges and Community Support
Over the past two years, Kirsty has taken on numerous fundraising challenges, including a 10k run and the Wirral Santa Dash. Through her work, she also supports and trains a community of women from her gym, many of whom are busy mothers. This group regularly comes together to participate in fundraising events in support of WUTH Charity.
Her next challenge will involve Kirsty and members of her gym community taking part in the Wirral Coastal Walk on Sunday, June 7, 2026. This event continues their commitment to raising funds for local hospital services. Kirsty highlighted that she works with many mothers who often put themselves last, and helping them prioritize their health is about more than just feeling stronger—it's about being there for their families.
Inspiring Positive Change Through Personal Experience
Kirsty expressed her desire for sons and daughters to grow up seeing women care for their health as something normal and empowering. Fundraising for WUTH allows her to align her personal story, values, and work while supporting the hospitals that helped her when she needed it most.
Phil Crawford, fundraising and events fundraiser at WUTH Charity, praised community fundraisers like Kirsty, noting they are vital to the charity's work. He described her story as incredibly powerful and emphasized that the commitment she and her gym community show year-round makes a real difference to patients and families across the hospitals.
Janelle Holmes, chief executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, added that Kirsty's fundraising journey is a wonderful example of how personal experiences can inspire positive change for others. The funds raised through WUTH Charity help enhance care and improve experiences for patients and families, and the hospital is incredibly grateful for her continued support.
Funds raised through WUTH Charity continue to support projects that matter most to local communities, helping to enhance care and improve experiences for patients, families, and staff across Wirral University Teaching Hospital.
