Yesterday, Sunday, 6th July, saw colleagues, patients, loved ones, and a few furry friends, took on the 10km route at the annual CHFT Charity Big Hospital Walk.
Each year our CHFT Charity host the walk, which this year started at HRI and finished at CRH. The walk is a chance to chat to colleagues, and stretch the legs, all whilst raising money for our charity.
Every person who walked the route had their own story about why they chose to be involved, and what they were raising money for.
Team Dawn (pictured below) walked in memory of their much-loved family member Dawn. The funds they raised will go towards our ICU department to enhance the experience patients and loved ones receive. The team said: “We are so appreciative of the care and attention Dawn received whilst on ICU, it was only right we gave back. We’ve loved the walk, thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the scenery.”
Peter and his dog Rex (pictured below) dedicated his walk in memory of his wife who was cared for by CHFT Cancer Services. Peter has raised over £500 so far, in memory of his wife, Vania, who sadly died this year. Peter said: “All NHS staff put 110% into the care they deliver. To me, it’s important to recognise that, and if that means I’ll walk 10k in the rain then I’m there! I wasn’t ready for the amount of rain, but the sunshine made up for it, I’ll be back next year.”
Some of the team from our wonderful Paediatric Department (pictured below) have been raising money for the Ray of Sunshine Campaign which aims to brighten the care and experience of babies, children, young people and their families.
Our maternity services (pictured main), and families who we have supported through the devastating impact of baby loss, also walked the route for the Maternity Bereavement Appeal.
The appeal, which launched last week, needs to raise £500,000 for a new Bereavement Suite and Counselling Room at CRH. The Maternity Bereavement Appeal aims to make sure that everyone we care for who is affected by miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death, gets the support they need in an environment that is right for them.
Gemma Puckett, Director of Midwifery and Women’s Services, said: “The Hospital Walk was a great place to connect with colleagues outside of the workplace, plus families and friends we’ve cared for in the past. The maternity team walked the 10k route in honour of all the babies born sleeping, every step was a tribute to their memory. The route was stunning and gave us time to reflect as a team.”
Charity Manager, Emma Kovaleski, said: "Thank you to everyone who took part in the annual hospital charity walk. The event brings our colleagues and communities together whilst helping raise valuable funds. It was made extra special this year as we were joined by families who have been a vital part of our Maternity Bereavement Appeal.
“This year we also swapped the route around to start at HRI and finish at CRH, which meant we missed the hard work of walking up those hills!”
The Big Hospital Walk and Maternity Bereavement Appeal also featured on BBC Look North last night, you can watch the feature here.
