An intrepid team of walkers from The QEH’s Stroke Unit Rehabilitation Team have conquered the gruelling Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge – all to help patients get back on their feet.
The nine-strong #TeamQEH members set out on their 24.5-mile hike with one aim – to raise £5,000 for a new partial weight bearing device to use in the Stroke Unit where they work. It will help patients recovering from stroke to learn to walk again.
The group – Suzy Butler, Amelia Turner, Sam Colman, Gemma Pointer, Cilla Williams, Scott Ablett, Lauren Belcher, Alice Dennis and Rhiannon Lee – wanted to challenge themselves to achieve their £5,000 goal. They conquered the 24.5-mile hike in less than 12 hours on Saturday 23 September. Now they are appealing for generous hospital supporters to help them reach their fundraising target
They laced up their boots and began their walking journey on the peaks of Ingleborough before travelling over to Whernside, then finishing at Pen Y Ghent.
Talking about the impressive feat Senior Physiotherapist Lauren Belcher said: “The Three Peaks hike was definitely a challenge, proving so much harder than I thought it would be. We managed to complete over 1,500 metres of elevation and over 60,000 steps in just under 12 hours. Alongside an amazing team and for such a worthwhile cause, we all managed to complete it. We are so pleased with our efforts and the money raised towards purchasing this piece of equipment that will so positively impact our patients’ journey.”
The challenge was set to fund a special piece of equipment which is designed to ease the weight of the stroke patient whilst they are learning how to walk again. It can help as the weight bearing device can also be used both on the ground and over a treadmill to assist with walking after a stroke.
Rhiannon Lee, Therapy Assistant at the Trust, explained: “Usually, the specialist stroke therapists support the patients’ body to move after a stroke, but the unique harness offered by the LiteGait will result in patients being able to practice walking with fewer therapists being present.
“I have only worked with the Stroke Rehab team for 18 months and I have been impressed with how dedicated the staff on the Stroke Unit are to optimising patients’ recovery. This piece of equipment will give more opportunities for therapy to patients needing gait re-education and increase the scope for positive outcomes. On a personal level, I wanted to take on a challenge and cannot think of a team of people that I would rather do it with.”
If you’d like to show your support and help the team invest in this special piece of equipment, please consider donating now at https://www.justgiving.com/page/stroketherapyfundraiser-1691078692274
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