THEY say charity begins at home.
And no-one knows this better than South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust’s fund-raising manager Ali Gray, who is set to break free from the office for a day and take on her biggest personal challenge to date.
Having helped drive the £1million Stratford Cancer and Eye Hospital Appeal for the past nine months, Ali will now be fund-raising for the cause at the weekend when she will be attempting to complete the Three Peaks challenge within 24 hours.
The challenge involves scaling the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – one after another and walking a total distance of 27 miles with a total ascent of 9,800 feet.
She is aiming to raise £2,400 towards to the £1million appeal, which works out at £100 for every hour climbing the mountains.
Speaking before the challenge, she said: “I am really excited to take on the Three Peaks and raise money for the appeal.
“Although it is doing really well, we still have a long way to go before we reach our £1million target so it is going to be a great motivator knowing that £100 is being given for every hour of the challenge.
“I would like to thank everyone who has shown their support to the appeal – it means so much knowing that the local community are driving it.
“We are still keen for people to get involved so if like me, anyone wants to fund-raise for the appeal, or take on a personal challenge and would like advice, please get in touch.”
Plans for a cancer and an eye ward to be built at the existing site on Arden Street were given the green light by Stratford District
Council back in October, and hospital chiefs hope the new facilities will make life easier for patients in South Warwickshire.
Money from the £1million appeal will help pay for everything from specialist chemotheraphy chairs to iPads that do not come
as standard in the new £22 million hospital.
Ali can be sponsored by visiting www.mydonate.bt.com and searching for ‘Ali Gray’ in the sponsor a fundraiser option.
Alternatively, cheques made payable to ‘Stratford Hospital Appeal’ can be sent to: Fundraising Department, Management Corridor, Warwick Hospital, Lakin Road, Warwick CV34 5BW.
