Trust calls on public to back big race
ELHT&ME, the official charity of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, is urging the Hyndburn community to show their support for the area’s
NHS heroes by taking part in its Big NHS Walk.
The eight-mile challenge will see members of the public and NHS staff join forces to raise much-needed funds for the charity, which supports East Lancashire’s hospitals.
The event had been due to take place on Sunday, July 4 but will now see walkers stepping out on Sunday, September 26 in light of government guidance. Anyone who cannot make the new date will not have to miss out as the charity has launched a virtual walk, running until the event. Virtual walkers, who can be any age, can complete eight miles at their own pace anywhere they like, in one go or spread out over different dates.
Denise Gee, manager of ELHT&Me, said the event provided the perfect opportunity for people to come together and show support for NHS staff who have worked tirelessly during the last 18 months.
The charity raises money to support patients and staff, providing anything from colouring books and jigsaws to keep Covid patients occupied during lockdown, to funding two robots costing £2.5m to perform lifesaving surgery.
Denise said: “The Big NHS Walk provides a great opportunity for local people to show their support so, whether you are walking in honour of a nurse that looked after you during a hospital stay, or a relative who received treatment in one of our hospitals, we’d love you to get involved.
“We all went out walking more during the pandemic and we all clapped on our doorsteps every week for our amazing NHS. Our fundraising event combines the two, so why not sign up today.”
Walkers are encouraged to ‘be your hero in blue’ on the day, taking on the route wearing something blue.
All finishers receive a stunning, limited edition medal and a traditional afternoon tea to celebrate their achievement. The route sets off from Royal Blackburn’s Park View offices with the charity’s mascot Elmore directing walkers to ‘ready, teddy, go’ at 10.30am.
The route, which will be marshalled thanks to East Ribble District Freemasons, reaches Belthorn for a welcomed hydration stop at the Dog Inn. The next part of the walk incorporates some of the Belthorn Heritage Trail before heading out into the open countryside again, providing spectacular views, before heading back.
Dogs are welcome on the walk and can even help raise funds by collecting sponsorship too.
Visit elht.nhs.uk/ big-nhs-walk to take part in the walk.
Entry is £20 for the in-person walk and £10 for the virtual event.