Public call out to join hospital’s end of life care team taking on mammoth marathon hike

A team of healthcare workers are taking on a mammoth marathon hike to raise funds for the new end of life facility at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) King’s Lynn’s.

The new Peddars Way Unit, named after the famous national trail that runs through Suffolk and Norfolk, is due to open later this year. The new five bed unit will give patients a more dignified and comfortable place to receive care in their last days and hours.

A 26mile sponsored walk on Peddars Way has been organised by the passionate QEH end of life team. Members of the public are welcome to lace up their walking boots and take part raising money for the hospital charity.

Consultant Nurse, Emma Clarke, at The QEH, said “The palliative care team are all incredibly passionate about this new facility and how it will benefit patients and their loved ones during such a difficult time. The whole team are participating and are excited to take on the challenge to help raise funds to make the unit feel more homely and less clinical.”

Money raised from this challenge will be spent on transforming the space into a peaceful and calm space away from busy hospital wards. The Peddars Way Unit has been funded by the hospital’s own charity with contributions from the League of Friends charity.

Samantha Taylor, The QEH Charity Manager said: “We welcome anyone that would like to take part in the walk, or support the charity by donating and supporting this amazing team who are taking on this gruelling challenge.”

The walk begins at 6.30am on Saturday 28 September from Swaffham following the Peddars Way national trail through the gentle English countryside and ending at dusk in the coastal village of Holme-next-the-Sea. The route threads along a Roman road built on an even older trackway. The name Peddars is said to be derived from the Latin “pedester”, which means “on foot”.

If you would like to support the teams’ incredible efforts, you are welcome to register to join one of the shorter walks – either five miles or 13 miles – or donate via the Peddars Way Unit JustGiving.

Both shorter walks are limited to 10 participants, available on a first-come, first-served basis. If all spots fill up, there will be a waiting list for any cancellations. To enquire about joining the team on the challenge contact [email protected].

If you aren’t able to join the walk you can still support either by making a donation or sharing the appeal link to help raise awareness. Every contribution will help make a difference to those families who need it.

If you would like to support The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, visit www.qehklcharity.co.uk, email the Charity team at [email protected] or call 01553 613309.

Ends.

Notes to editors;

For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, [email protected] or 01553 613216.

For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.

To download the full press pack click here.

Posted on: August 21 2024    •    Posted in: Community Heroes, Fundraising, Patient Care, Peddars Way Unit