Runners raise thousands for Milton Keynes Hospital Charity

Posted 2nd May 2017

LOCAL runners have shown that the blisters and sore legs from the Milton Keynes Marathon were worth it, as more than £6,000 in sponsorship rolls in to help Milton Keynes University Hospital patients. 

Runners chose to support a number of hospital services including the neonatal unit, children’s wards and trauma and orthopaedic. 

Milton Keynes Hospital Charity supporters on May 1 included hospital staff, runners from companies including Santander, Adorable Nurseries and TXM Healthcare – as well as young superhero fun runners Annie and Lissie Rowe who raised almost £1,000 including gift aid!  

Local dad Andrew Buckley raised more than £1,300 for the neonatal unit. He said: “The hospital looked after my little boy Harry when he was born early last year. It really made a difference when they let Harry’s twin sister Leila come and visit him in the neonatal unit, even though she wasn’t a patient. This is my way of saying thank you.” 

Supporting the charity was meaningful to dynamic-duo Sonia and Naomi, as they work at the hospital. Ward manager Naomi says: “We’re fundraising for a cause very close to our hearts – Ward 23, our trauma and orthopaedic ward. Making sure our patients have the best possible care and experience while they are with us is so important, and this will make a huge difference.” 

Annie and Lissie became fundraising superheroes for the day after Lissie spent time on the children’s ward last year. Their mum Josie said: “The girls took part to help provide much-needed play facilities for the children’s wards, for children who, like Lissie, might need to spend lots of time there whilst feeling pretty awful. Those toys and resources make the world of difference when you are trying to pass the time in a hospital bed.” 

Head of fundraising Vanessa Holmes said: “It’s so inspiring to meet and work with people who are prepared to go that extra mile for our amazing charity. We’re grateful to them for not only raising funds, but taking on these challenges! All the money raised will make a huge difference to patients, their families and the staff who treat them at Milton Keynes University Hospital. 

“Finally, we’d like to thank our volunteers from the day, including the Lions Club of Bletchley for manning a water stop, sports therapist David Down who offered runners massages on the day and Barclays in central Milton Keynes for support on our charity stand.” 

For information on fundraising for any part of the hospital – or to register interest for running with the charity next year – please contact head of fundraising Vanessa Holmes on 01908 996220 or email fundraising@mkuh.nhs.uk.