Three fundraisers logged more than 50,000 steps each as they completed a gruelling charity walk with a difference at the weekend.
Paul Growney, Brian Lightbody and Conor Heeney walked more than 26 miles between Southport, Ormskirk, St Helens and Whiston hospitals in variable weather conditions on Saturday and raised more than £1,500 for Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Charity.
The walk, which took nine hours to complete, was to raise money to support elderly care and patients living with dementia at local hospitals and it was no ordinary event as the determined trio carried a 30kg log to highlight the “hidden’’ weight experienced by dementia patients and their carers.
The driving wind and rain tested their resolve but there was great support along the way with stops at the Gerard Arms between Ormskirk and St Helens and the Boars Head between St Helens and Whiston providing welcome rests and tie for donations from locals.
A special thanks also went to BocBoc Café in St Helens who produced a generous donation after they saw the team enroute.
Victoria Burrows, Head of MWL NHS Charity, said:
“I would like to thank Paul, Brian and Conor for their huge efforts.
“Carrying the log was hard enough but the terrible weather made things even more difficult for them. They just kept going however and raised a fantastic amount of money for the Charity while raising awareness about the work of carers at the same time.
“I am really grateful to them and to all the local businesses and people who supported them along the way.’’
Paul, an Associate Non-Executive Director for the Trust, came up with the unique idea and asked his friends to join him in the challenge. He said:
“Working in the care sector, and with my role at the Trust, I constantly see the amazing care provided to our elderly patients and those living with dementia.
“It was hard work carrying the log, which symbolised the hidden weight families and loved ones’ experience, but it was definitely worth it.’’
He added: “The goal was to raise funds for patients and to show support for their families and we can’t thank everyone who supported us enough.’’
You can still add a donation by clicking on the charity’s website here: https://mwlnhscharity.enthuse.com/pf/milesformemories2024
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