ICPCN trustee Dr Emily Harrop has reached an extraordinary milestone, completing 500 miles of walking, just months after undergoing surgery for a benign brain tumour.
Emily, who is also a Medical Director and Consultant in Paediatric Palliative Care at Helen & Douglas House Children’s Hospice, began walking as part of her recovery journey, using it to gradually rebuild strength, confidence, and wellbeing following surgery.
Emily has dedicated much of her career to improving care for children with serious illness. She has worked at Helen & Douglas House since 2010 and trained in paediatric palliative care at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Her background also includes a PhD in neuroscience focusing on infant pain, alongside postgraduate training in paediatric clinical pharmacology and palliative medicine.
As a trustee of the International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN), Emily has been a passionate advocate for improving access to children’s palliative care globally. Her commitment to supporting children and families around the world continues to inspire colleagues and partners across the ICPCN network.
Earlier this year, Emily also became the first person to join the Miles for Millions movement following its soft launch in Manila — a new global initiative encouraging people to get active while helping raise awareness and funds for children’s palliative care.
For Emily, the miles have represented far more than distance. They have offered a way to reconnect with movement, time outdoors, and the natural environment — all of which have played an important role in her recovery.
Dr Emily Harrop said: “After surgery, finding ways to rebuild strength has been an important part of my recovery. Nordic pole walking has given me a way to move forward step by step, spending time outdoors and experiencing the benefits of movement in both body and mind.”
‘After a few weeks with the poles, I regained my balance and walked unaided, before cautiously resuming gentle jogging’
“Being part of Miles for Millions has also felt deeply meaningful. It has allowed me to connect my personal recovery with my professional commitment to children’s palliative care, and to contribute in a small way to a global movement supporting children and families.”
As a trustee, Emily is also closely aware of the ongoing challenges in ensuring equitable access to children’s palliative care worldwide, with many services still under-resourced. Initiatives such as Miles for Millions aim to bring greater visibility to this need, while also encouraging collective action through movement, connection, and shared purpose.
Emily would like to extend her heartfelt thanks to her family and friends who generously sponsored her at the start of her challenge and supported her along the way.
Professor Julia Downing, CEO of ICPCN, said: “We are absolutely delighted for Emily and so inspired by her determination and resilience during her recovery. Her achievement is a powerful reflection of her strength and commitment, and we are deeply grateful for all she continues to contribute to ICPCN and to children’s palliative care globally.”
If you would like to donate in recognition of Emily completing her 500-mile walking challenge, please click here.
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