Walking With Dinosaurs: Hospital fundraisers walking tall with Walk For Wards
Dedicated fundraisers took part in Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity’s Walk For Wards along Southend seafront at the weekend.
Friends, families, work colleagues, young and old, and some in fancy dress, were all helping raise money for the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust ward or department of their choice with a 7km stroll along the seafront from Adventure Island.
Some of the wards and departments benefitting from the regular fun-walk include children’s wards, early pregnancy units, dementia services, critical care units and emergency departments across Basildon, Southend and Broomfield hospital sites.
One of those putting his best fundraising feet forward was Brian Gutberlet, from Southend, who received care at Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospitals following heart issues and a diagnosis of cancer of the oesophagus.
He said “I am so grateful for the early diagnosis and treatment of both of my illnesses.
“Every person that treated and cared for me is a hero in my eyes so this is something I wanted to take on in thanks for extraordinary people that have helped me get to where I am today.”
Hope Mulloy, from Westcliff-on-Sea, walked the 7km stretch in memory of her dad, who she sadly lost to cancer when she was just 12 years-old. Hope said “I remember the team on Eleanor Hobbs ward in Southend being a huge support to me when my dad was seriously ill, they helped me so much. Through fundraising like this, I hope that money raised will allow them to continue being there for other children in similar situations.”
Sue Clark, from Shoeburyness, walked in support of Basildon’s Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC) following two heart attacks in 2020. She said: “The staff at the CTC were brilliant following both of my heart attacks, I cannot praise them enough. The walk allows me to give something back.”
Whilst Laura Mott, along with her husband, Richard and sons Freddie and George, took on the walk dressed as dinosaurs to raise funds for Southend Hospital’s children’s ward. The family, from Southend, are aiming to fund paediatric ventilator equipment.
And helping to set walkers off on their fundraising challenge was Southend’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Stephen Habermel.
Kayley Donovan, Community Fundraising Manager, for the charity, said: “This is the ninth time we have run this event, and it is genuinely great to see so many familiar and new faces in person. For many, this is a special fundraiser as it can be completed with friends, family and at your own pace; it really is a lovely atmosphere.
“I’d also like to thank our event supporters Sea Life Adventure, their ongoing support of our charity and hospitals is something we are immensely grateful for.”
The date has already been set for the milestone tenth Walk For Wards next year, Sunday 17 September 2023, so if you fancy strutting your stuff along the seafront please contact fundraising on 01702 385337 or email mse.charity@nhs.net