The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Hospice staff rack up miles to fund care
Sue Ryder team running, walking and cycling to support fundraising efforts
Big-hearted staff at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice are running, walking or cycling over 1000 miles to raise funds for the expert palliative care they provide.
Staff from all parts of the hospice have got involved, including nurses, doctors, therapists, family support, domestic, kitchen, administration, receptionists andfundraisers.
The original plan was to cover 508 miles in August, whichisthedistancebetween ThorpeHall Hospice in Peterborough and their six other hospices in the county and back again.
However, staffenjoyedtaking part so much that they decided to cover the distance for a second time. They are now aiming to complete 1128 miles and have nearly reached the 1000 mile mark.
Those taking part have each pledged to cover a part of the journey by running, walking or cycling in and around their local area, many with the help of their four-legged friends. Some have even gone further afield, with one cycling in Liverpool andanother walking in Cornwall.
Staff hope to raise £1008, which is enough to pay for 48 hoursoftheirexpertpalliative care, whichhelps local people withterminalillnesseslivethe best life they can.
NurseSally Finch, whohas pledgedtocover150milesand has been walking or cycling every day said: “Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice is very close to my heart. My mum was admitted to Thorpe Hall in August 2007 and died after a few days. My whole family were so well supported and I realised just how important
the care we give is, as well as the support we give to families.
“I am privileged to be part of theteamandfeelproudevery time I enter the building.
“This challenge has given
meanaddedmotivationtoget outonmybike, takemoretime to get out with my family and remember how very lucky we are to be healthy and happy.
“I wouldencourageanyone to help usraise fundsandpass on the message that we are a charity – and need support to helpushelppatientsandtheir families at the most vulnerable time of their lives.”
Tori Ablard, head of hospice fundraising at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, added: “Our staff regularly go the extra milecaringforlocalpeople with life-limiting conditions, nowtheyhavephysicallygone the extra mile too. Thank you and well done to everyone involved; it’s beenareal teameffort.
“If you are inspired, why not take on your own challenge in support of our hospice? It’s not too late to lace your trainers, sign up for our summer series and take on a virtual running, walkingorcycling challenge.
“We are also searching for local people to take part in our newevent, WalktoRemember 2020. You can walk any day throughout October or join hundreds of others across the country for our official walk day on Saturday, October 17.
“Choose your distance of 5K or 10K, your start and finish line andaroutethatmeans something to you.”