A group of Mountbatten staff are preparing to take on an extraordinary 66-mile challenge around the Isle of Wight later this month, to raise money for vital end-of-life care provided by the charity.
Next Saturday (27th September), nurses Julie Rasmussen and Theresa McNamara will join Dr Jane Hazeldine, Mountbatten’s director of psychosocial and spiritual care, to attempt ‘The Big Wight Walk’ – a 106km route around the Isle of Wight that they aim to complete within 24 hours.
The gruelling route is nearly 2.5 times the distance of Mountbatten’s iconic Walk the Wight. Starting at 07:00, the challenge will symbolise how Mountbatten’s care reaches people in every corner of the Isle of Wight, including in homes, through the John Cheverton Centre and at the inpatient unit.
Julie Rasmussen, nurse, has said:
“I take full responsibility for this being my idea – sorry! I am always keen to set myself challenges to raise awareness and money for Mountbatten, whilst I am fit enough to do so.
“This is going to be a tough challenge, requiring physical and mental strength – but it will also be very rewarding and it is all on a great cause!”
Julie is no stranger to endurance events, having twice completed the Three Peaks Challenge.
Theresa McNamara, inpatient unit manager, has said:
“We’re doing this to show how Mountbatten Isle of Wight is there for everyone, everywhere on the Island. Knowing we’re raising funds to support the people we care for will keep us going.”
The team has already clocked up more than 600km in training and hopes to raise £2,000 through their fundraising page.
Dr Jane Hazeldine, who regularly takes part in Walk the Wight, has said:
“We are all experienced walkers, but clocking up the miles in the dark will be new to all of us. Our motivation is that Mountbatten Isle of Wight is such an amazing organisation and everything we raise will help support the people we care for, ensuring dignity and compassion when they are at their most vulnerable.”
Supporters can donate to Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s fundraising effort for The Big Wight Walk via their Enthuse page at: www.enthuse.com
