Nine fundraisers are banking on team spirit – and good weather – to help them take on an epic 31-mile challenge in the Peak District to benefit Walsall patients.
They will be doing the 2025 Peak District Ultra Challenge which takes place 28-29 June to bring in funds to Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Well Wishers charity which helps to enhance patient experience and buy items above and beyond what the NHS is able to provide.
Steve Cornforth, Head of Resuscitation and Simulation at the Trust, has taken part in the event before and it was his suggestion to get a Team Well Wishers together.
He said: “We will be hiking 52km (31 miles) in the scenic and tough Northern Loop of the Peak District. Well Wishers delivers a variety of fundraising initiatives throughout the year that make a real difference to patients, their families and the staff that treat them.”
The team comprises of Steve and Katy Cornforth, Jacqui Watkeys, Dr Rayasandra Gireesh, Najma Iqbal, Kimberley Rochelle, Reshma Jayakumar, Claire Flatt and Diane Cooper.
Claire, Matron for Post Registration Education across Walsall Healthcare and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: “I love taking on a challenge for charity, and the Peak District Ultra is a big one – 52km in a day!
“What makes it even more special is doing it together as a team. It’s a great opportunity to build connections across boundaries, raise vital funds for our Trust charity, and support something that benefits both staff and patients. It won’t be easy, but every single step will be worth it – especially with the charity mascot by our side and the team spirit carrying us through.
“All we need to do now is get our training steps in and hope the weather is kind to us on the day.”
Jacqui, Head of Library, Knowledge and Education Centre Services, said: “I am looking forward to this exciting challenge as I enjoy hiking. Over the past three years I have undertaken a hike and tried to push myself each time. I am currently in training and have been running and walking a few miles each week.”
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager at the Trust, urged people to support the group’s efforts by donating to the Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/team/50kmpeakdistrictchallenge25?utm_medium=team&utm_content=50kmpeakdistrictchallenge25&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share&invite=true and thanked those who have already supported the team to reach £1,086.
She added: “What a fantastic – and ambitious – gesture from this team. I wish them all the best during training and on the day itself. The money they raise will go into general charitable funds where teams can put in requests for where the money should be spent.”