A team of 50 NHS frontline staff working at the Specialist Virology Centres at University Hospital Wales and at the new Covid Testing Centre in Newport have run 1,000 miles between them in two weeks as a tribute to Sir Captain Tom Moore. They have raised over £800 for Help for Heroes by doing so.
The physical challenge started on Monday 8 March and finished on Sunday 21st March. The grand finale on Monday 22nd March was then be a socially distanced cake sale on the Newport site, along with a cake delivery service available to bring baked treats to staff at University Hospital Wales.
Natalie Evans (pictured front right), a Biomedical Scientist and Hannah Rafferty (pictured front left), an Associate Practitioner, at the hospital who have organised the challenge, explain, “We followed Captain Tom from the beginning and were amazed by his inspirational efforts in raising a massive amount for the NHS. He was truly deserving of his knighthood. Following his sad passing recently, we felt that we should give something back by raising what we can for Help for Heroes as a thank you. We pledged to walk, run or cycle 1000 miles to support our military heroes in their time of need.”
To support the Public Health Wales (PHW) Specialist Virology Team 1000 Miles for Sir Captain Tom Moore visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/natalie-evans37.
The PHW Virology Team have been working tirelessly through the pandemic with the new influx of Covid-19 samples, while also continuing with routine testing. The team have adapted their normal working lives around the Covid-19 pandemic, where, during the heights of the pandemic they showed their commitment to patients and the service by going above and beyond in their roles.
The team are continuing to provide an excellent service, even during this latest lockdown and were keen to do the 1,000 miles challenge as a new focus and positive celebration of getting through difficult times as a team.
Natalie adds, “We really enjoyed doing this. It’s great that so many people signed up to take part and we enjoyed seeing everyone’s commitment and support by doing their miles every day. We would also like to thank the military for their support in implementing the vaccination programme.”
Dean Williams, Area Fundraising Manager – Wales & Midlands at Help for Heroes comments, “The fact that Natalie, Hannah and the rest of the PHW team did this challenge for us after the year that they have had is just remarkable. They are heroes in our eyes and we would like to say a massive thank you to every one of them.
“It means so much to us that they are thinking about wounded veterans at this time as the past 12 months have been tougher than ever for veterans living with a life-changing injury or illness. With their support we can give them the strength they need to live the lives they deserve.”
