Alex on trek for ‘amazing’ staff at RUH
Aston Villa and former Bristol Rovers talent scout Alex Hinder is preparing to trek across the island of Fuerteventura to raise money for the RUH.
Sports lover Alex, from Keynsham, will trek from Corralejo in the north to El Faro de la Lola - the lighthouse on the southernmost tip of the island for the hospital’s Forever Friends appeal.
His reason for making the journey? “Because quite frankly they saved my life more than once,” he said.
“Working for a professional football academy, I find that very rewarding,” said Alex, 61. “During my time I scouted about 30 lads who went on to be professional players.
“It’s an interesting job. You’re making opportunities, giving young players the chance to fulfil their dreams!”
Alex has lived in Keynsham for over 20 years. “I used to run marathons, half marathons and took part in every sport, almost since I could walk,” he said. But after suffering three heart attacks and a stroke, and undergoing surgery for a stent at the RUH followed by heart bypass surgery at the BRI, Alex is determined to give back to the community.
“I’m doing this for two reasons, firstly to raise some much-needed funds for the Cardiac Ward at the RUH to simply say a massive thank you to all the amazing staff and secondly to hopefully be a small inspiration to others.”
Alex’s affection for the staff at the RUH shows almost no bounds, and he is also full of praise for the doctors and nurses at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.
“The doctor walked all the way from his house by foot to visit me in the ward on Christmas Day,” he said.
He has already completed a few long-distance hikes in preparation for this challenge, the first was the 102 mile ‘Two Moors Way’ and the second was the 52 mile ‘Coleridge Way.’
Alex will be travelling light when he sets off for the island in the Canaries on December 2.
“I will be taking my brother Richard, walking shoes, rucksack, trekking poles and medication and that’s all and we will be walking up to 16 miles per day with two rest days.”
Alex and Richard’s long-distance trek known as ‘GR131’ will add up to 100 miles in 8 days, and every evening they will post a blog on their fundraising page for their supporters.
“Sixteen miles a day sounds reasonable: an energetic but achievable hike, but that’s on flat ground.
“On rough terrain it will be very tough. I will feel shattered every day. After this walk I will lose about a stone,” he said.
After Alex’s operations, he has to take six tablets per day, but he refuses to accept that the challenge will be too much for him.
“I have learned that now more than ever, it’s important to stay active.
“From the conversations I had with all the consultants, doctors, nurses, even my family and friends who keep reminding me to keep active and keep going.
“It will only help me and my heart. It’s so easy to give up when things don’t go your way, but whenever we have to face these sorts of problems, I like to look at it as a challenge to keep believing, keep fighting, and more importantly keep going!”
To contribute and to catch up with their adventures visit: www.justgiving. com/fundraising/alex-hinder.