UHNM staff to take part in epic 24-hour race for UHNM Charity
Two members of staff from UHNM are going through their final preparations ahead of a gruelling 24-hour endurance race this weekend in aid of UHNM Charity.
Dr Andrew Bennett, Specialist Doctor in Emergency Medicine and porter Lee Jones will be lacing up their trainers for the Endure24 Leeds on Saturday.
The pair will have 24 hours to complete as many laps of an 8k circuit around Branham Park, Leeds, as possible.
Dr Andrew Bennett said: “UHNM Charity does some incredible work in improving the care that can be provided at UHNM. I didn't fully understand the significance of UHNM Charity until a recent event and someone explained it to us in a way that made so much sense- the main NHS hospital funding pays for the basics, the minimum that is required to provide a service to look after our patients. UHNM Charity pays for and supports all of the extras that make the care exceptional; paying for state-of-the-art equipment, research and facilities that just wouldn't otherwise be possible.
“I have worked in the Emergency Department at Royal Stoke for over a decade now, and have a special interest in deteriorating patients and Sepsis so I would love to raise some money to go towards improving the care for patients in the Emergency Department. The money will be used to help in any way possible by the emergency department and sepsis team to improve the care provided to our most unwell patients.
“Last year I took part in the Three Peaks Challenge and re-discovered my love for taking on things that are beyond my comfort zone. This year I'm pushing myself even further and attempting to run 80 miles in 24 hours at Endure24 Leeds for UHNM Charity. I would be really grateful even for just a small donation and I will do my best to run further than I've ever run before. Your donation will make a real difference to the care that we provide.”
Lee Jones said: “I started running 14 years ago as part of a healthier lifestyle and to gain fitness. I was a taxi driver so didn’t get much exercise.
"My first half marathon was the Stafford Half Marathon which I did in 1 hour 47 minutes. I was exhausted, but set a goal of going under 1 hour 45 minutes at the Potter’s ‘Arf later that year which I did.
"Since then I’ve done 26 full marathons, three full-distance Iron Man events and countless half marathons, 10K’s and other race distances. I’ve also run a number of ultra-distance and 24 hour events.
"Being part of the London Landmarks 2024 for UHNM Charity is such a motivation for me to get back into running. Even though my speed isn’t as good as it was, I’m back to running 40 miles per week.
"I’m really looking forward to the race but am not sure whether to call it a race yet, as I don’t know if I’ll be racing yet or just running around Leeds happy!”
Walk, Run, Swim, Cycle
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