An event dubbed the 'Hospital Hero Hike' is inviting people to take a 21-mile trek alongside dedicated NHS staff.

The event, organised by Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity, is seeking participants who are keen on supporting the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

The hike, starting from Ipswich Hospital and ending at Colchester Hospital, offers an opportunity to engage with NHS staff while helping to raise funds needed to enhance support for staff at the hospitals.

Monies raised will be channelled to provide mental health first aid training to ensure one-to-one help is available for staff in crisis and additional spaces for restful breaks, together with support for physical, emotional and financial wellbeing.

East Anglian Daily Times: Full-time NHS staff Jodie Deller, Fren Twumasi, Melissa Ferreira and Toni Reed will be taking part Full-time NHS staff Jodie Deller, Fren Twumasi, Melissa Ferreira and Toni Reed will be taking part (Image: Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity)

 

Taking on the challenge are full-time NHS workers Toni Reed, Jodie Deller, Fran Twumasi, and Melissa Ferreira.

Ms Reed said: “I really wanted to take part in the hike to give back to the NHS, especially because it benefits staff wellbeing.

"Providing extra break areas for staff is really important, especially as there are so many people working across our hospitals.”

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A sign-up fee of £20 covers snacks, a Hospital Hero t-shirt, a goodie bag, plus a commemorative finisher's medal.

Cait Pilkington, events fundraising manager for the charity, said: “We’re really excited about this year’s hike, which we hope will be even bigger and better and supported by our community.

“Sign up today to join hundreds of other walkers in showing gratitude for the NHS staff who dedicate their lives to our health and wellbeing.

East Anglian Daily Times: Participants will walk alongside NHS workers to raise money during the hike Participants will walk alongside NHS workers to raise money during the hike (Image: Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity)

 

"By taking part in the 2024 Hospital Hero Hike, you can give back and make a meaningful difference to our NHS staff.”

The Hospital Hero Hike is on Saturday, May 4, commencing at 10am.

For registration or more details, visit the Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity website.