Stepping into the shoes of a nurse probably isn’t something that many local people have ever thought they’d do, but a new charity challenge is asking supporters to sign up to do just that.
The Step Up for St Ann’s challenge sees St Ann’s Hospice appealing for people to pledge to walk or run a set distance through the month of September in aid of their patients, reflecting the distance their nurses walk each day while providing care.
Eamonn O’Neal, Chief Executive of St Ann’s, explained: “Our hospice nurses walk an average of two miles a day when caring for our patients, often more, so in our latest fundraiser we’re asking local people to walk or run over 30 days.
“It’s a concept we’re hoping supporters can fit around their lifestyle and it’s really easy to be part of.
“People simply choose a distance – or number of steps – they pledge to walk or run during the month of September, and can complete the distance whenever, and however, they like.
“We know people are busy, so wanted to make this challenge something that supporters could fit around their normal daily activity if they want to.
“For example, adding up the distance it takes to walk the school run each day, the number of steps it takes to get home from work, or even the distance to the shop for groceries. It all adds up.
“We’d be enormously grateful if as many people as possible went to our website to sign up. Whatever distance they choose, they can be sure that the sponsor money they raise will help us to make a real difference to the lives of local patients and their families.”
St Ann’s Hospice cares for patients from its three Greater Manchester sites in Heald Green, Little Hulton and the Neil Cliffe Centre in Wythenshawe Hospital.
The teams there also run a range of community and outreach services to support even more people with life-limiting illnesses, right from the point of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.
The hospice receives around a third of its funding from the NHS, with the rest – equating to around £20,000 a day – through fundraising.
Eamonn added: “Our nurses do such an amazing job every single day of the year, and it’s only thanks to the kind generosity of local people who support our fundraising activities that they can continue to provide that much-needed care.
“Hopefully lots of you will get behind this latest challenge and walk in the footsteps of our nurses during September.
“I’ve signed up as it’s a great way to acknowledge all their hard work – and to get fit. It really will make a huge difference to our wonderful hospice.”
Sign up now at www.sah.org.uk/Step-Up-For-St-Anns or call the hospice fundraising team on 0161 498 3631.
