A team of medical professionals from Glasgow Royal Infirmary are getting on their bikes to raise money for a local mental health charity, after being ‘blown away’ by the support they received during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As many as 120 doctors, nurses, and pharmacists have pledged to collectively cover the same distance as Land’s End to John O’Groats, by walking, running or cycling locally to say a huge thank you to the local community and further afield.
ICU Staff Nurse Sarah Haxton said “We received many letters of support, beautiful drawings from children, knitted hearts to help us comfort. We will never forget the support shown to us and as a huge thank you we would like to do something in return. We are aware that many of the people who have helped us may have challenges of their own to face in time to come.
“Having witnessed first-hand the devastation caused by the pandemic, we worry about how people will cope emotionally and psychologically with the loss of loved ones and the loss of jobs.
“We are aware that by staying at home to protect the NHS, many people’s mental health will have suffered from that alone. As a team, we would like to raise awareness and fundraise for the Glasgow Association of Mental Health.”
This week the team has been attempting to travel the distance from Lands’ End to John O’Groats, while adhering to lockdown regulations. They will do this by either walking, running or cycling around their local area in their spare time.
ICU Nurse Heather Nicolson said: “The pandemic was also mentally challenging for us. We felt like the getting back out and exercising would be the perfect way for us to recuperate. Everyone is really challenging themselves and we have already covered more than 600 miles. It looks like we may be able to make our way back too!
“We have been amazed by the generosity of our friends and family and have so far managed to raise nearly £12,000. We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s donations to such an important cause.”