More than 30 staff members at the Royal United Hospital in Bath are getting ready to walk 26.2 miles throughout September to raise funds for the hospital.
Colleagues from both Robin Smith Ward and the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD) and Brownsword Therapies Centre are taking part in My Walk of Life Marathon, a virtual walking event organised by The Forever Friends Appeal.
The teams include nurses, cleaners, senior sisters, healthcare assistants and administrative staff.
The aim is to walk 26.2 miles during September, and there’s still time to sign up and join hundreds of other walkers taking part in their own way.
The Robin Smith team is captained by Sam Rye, Senior Sister, who said: “Each and every day we spend so much time on our feet walking to various wards and departments at the hospital and to and from patients.
“Therefore we have decided to take on the challenge of walking a marathon by recording the distances we walk in a shift.”
The team is hoping to raise enough money to transform Robin Smith Ward’s patient day room to provide a positive and therapeutic space which will enhance patients’ recovery.
Team RNHRD is looking to give the courtyard garden in their outpatient department a revamp.
Their captain, Andrea Ferreira, Senior Sister for Rheumatology, spoke of their plans. She said: “At the moment the garden looks a little sad. It would be lovely to have some greenery and make the courtyard prettier for patients to look out on while they are waiting for their appointments.”
Karlie Evans, Events and Community Officer added: “It’s so wonderful to see so many RUH staff sign up and I hope it inspires others to take part.
“It’s been the most challenging year the NHS has ever faced and because of the pandemic and ongoing restrictions, we had to cancel our beloved Walk of Life canal walk, at a time when support at the RUH has been needed most.
“To make sure people can still walk and help the hospital this year, we have turned it into a month long virtual walking event. It’s completely up to you how you decide to complete the 26.2 mile challenge; you can do it your own way over 30 days.
“Why not take this opportunity to get out and discover the great outdoors or tot up your miles in your own home or garden.”
By taking part in this virtual walking event for The Forever Friends Appeal, the charity will be able to continue to support the staff beyond the coronavirus crisis by funding projects and medical equipment that make a real difference to our patients and their families.
Participants are also welcome to support a particular ward, department or appeal if they wish.
To make your steps count for RUH staff and patients sign up to the My Walk of Life Marathon today. It’s free to register and if you raise £100 by 30 September you will receive a medal.
For more information, visit: www.mywalkoflifemarathon.co.uk.
