Staff from DGRI Theatres carried on a fundraiser Baton Relay from colleagues in Critical Care raising a further £360 for the same charity The Captain Tom Foundation.
Between them, 27 staff made it to a grand total of 1325 kilometres over 30 days walking or running, and raising £360 for their nominated charity.
After completing their relay they handed over the baton to colleagues in DGRI Outpatients who are now well underway with their challenge, this time funds raised will be donated to local charity Nith Inshore Rescue.
Cherie Parker, Staff Nurse at NHS Dumfries and Galloway, who led the challenge said:“I had been following Critical Care staff’s journey through social media, and sending messages of encouragement and support. It was inspiring to see them all come together and support a fantastic cause. I was delighted to be passed the baton for staff in our department. My colleagues and I have gained so much from doing this challenge, improving our physical health, our mental health and finding a new sense of teamwork and togetherness.
“It was fantastic to see everyone’s pictures and hear about how great they felt after being outdoors. We received recognition and encouragement not just for our efforts but for Critical Care staff from Captain Tom’s daughter and family, something that was completely unexpected and really lifted our spirits.
“On a personal level, like so many others, I had been feeling isolated and overwhelmed with the impact of Covid-19 overall and this gave me a focus and eased stress, getting myself outdoors and exercising really cleared my head. What felt significant to me was that we were doing this over the festive period which should be a time of joy and happiness, but for many it is difficult and sad and I really wanted to use the challenge as a platform to acknowledge that.
“Captain Tom was a huge inspiration to my colleagues and I giving us hope even on our darkest days. It was appropriate to keep the Captain Tom’s Foundation charity as the baton was passed to us as the causes it supports are so important to us. Also researching his fundraising efforts for the NHS Charities Together showed that NHS D&G benefited through the Endowment Fund, as well as other NHS Boards across the UK.”The charity, established following on from Captain Tom’s fundraising efforts for the NHS specifically in response to the onset of the pandemic identifies their causes close to their heart as combating loneliness, supporting those facing bereavement, championing education and equality and supporting friendsDonations were made through a Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cherie-parker4)
