Trauma ward volunteers to undertake seven marathons in seven weeks challenge

Ordinarily, the group would be working on the wards and visiting patients at Leeds Major Trauma Unit during what is a very difficult time. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the volunteers have switched to fundraising for the charity which has had to cancel many of its events for this year.

The challenge will see them walk, run or cycle 26.2 miles each week (around four miles a day) to try and raise £330 each, which is the cost to run the Day One service in hospital for one day.

The physical challenge will be a major feat for many of the volunteers, some of whom are former patients themselves.

For example, volunteer Catherine Clark suffered a fall in 2015 whilst out walking her dog and spent several months on the ward, where she needed surgery for a fractured pelvis. She has volunteered there since 2017.

She said: “Even though we can’t volunteer on the ward right now, we all wanted to continue to support Day One in any way we could. We thought this challenge would be a great way raise awareness and funds so that patients and their families can continue to receive the support and care they need.

“I was given invaluable support and advice and so I wanted to do the same after I had recovered. It’s a very gratifying role, especially when patients see that recovery does happen and normal life can resume again.”

Around 50 people in total have signed up for the Day One ‘Seven marathons’ challenge and already more than £15,000 has been raised, which is enough to support the charity for over a month.

Prof Peter Giannoudis, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and one of the charity’s founders said, “It’s been amazing to see so many people supporting Day One through our ‘7 Marathons in 7 Weeks’ challenge, including some of our wonderful volunteers! During this difficult time, we need your support more than ever.

"The money raised through this challenge will help us ensure that our charity can provide trauma patients and their loved ones with the best possible support and care.”

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