We remain most appreciative of all our fundraisers who take on challenges to raise money for their local hospital, often for services that are close to their hearts. During May, we had two fundraisers who each took on their own unique challenge over a weekend. Our congratulations to both Zbynek and Rachele on successfully completing their fundraisers.

In Zbynek Simcik’s case, his challenge was to complete the Headwaters Trail, a 200-mile off-road mountain bike challenge that goes across three stunning areas, the South Pennines, Yorkshire Dales and Peak District. Not only did Zbynek come first, he was also successful in raising nearly £650 in support of Kingston Hospital’s intensive care unit.

Zbynek completed the Headwaters Trail, which took place on 4 and 5 May 2024, in 25 hours 46 minutes, several hours ahead of the next finisher. His motivation for taking on this fundraising challenge was because his wife, Jana, works in the hospital’s intensive care unit, as a senior nurse. He is amazed at Jana’s dedication and the work she does every day for her patients.

Zbynek said:

“Every penny donated will go towards small improvements that can make a big difference for both the dedicated staff and the patients under their care. This could be anything from additional comfort items for patients to resources that enhance staff well-being during demanding shifts.”

Well done too to Rachele Caterina who took on the challenge of walking from Surbiton to Brighton with her brother, Federico, while on maternity leave. After lots of training, they walked over the weekend of 30 and 31 May and successfully raised over £650. As a mother of two, Rachele was keen to raise funds which could benefit the children under the care of Kingston Hospital. The monies raised will be used to help make the environment in the hospital’s paediatric emergency department more welcoming for the children that spend time in the unit.

Rachele has worked in the hospital’s outpatient department for over six years and has always loved being part of a team. In wanting to make a difference to her community, Rachele encouraged her family and friends to be part of their team and help them raise as much as they could, as they took on walking approximately 45 miles over two long days.

Whether you have identified a challenge that you would like to take on in support of Kingston Hospital or you need help finding the right event for you, we are here to help and assist you. Please call Rupert on 020 8973 5042 or email r.meredith-jones@nhs.net .