- author, Federica Bedendo
- role, BBC News North East and Cumbria
A group of NHS workers are planning to walk down Hadrian’s Wall to raise money for a mental health football team.
Staff from Carlton Clinic in Carlisle and West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven will aim to walk 84 miles (135km) in support of a group run by Carlisle United Community Sports Trust.
While our pharmacy team is unable to leave the site to participate in walks in person, we have set up treadmills in our offices to provide virtual support.
Hannah Lund, clinical manager at the Carlton Clinic, said: “When people are unwell or recovering, having a meaningful and welcoming activity like this football group is very helpful to them. It is important.”
She says, “Physical activity has huge benefits for your overall health. It helps keep your mind as well as your body healthy.”
“And the social aspect also helps people’s well-being. They’re able to support and meet other people who understand what they’re going through and build that network in their local community. can.”
Staff from six wards from the two hospitals and their support teams, including facility staff, receptionists and senior managers, will walk part of Hadrian’s Wall.
They hope to leave on May 15 and complete the entire trip within three days.
Aaron Bourne, an inpatient nurse at the Carleton Clinic, said many staff wanted to participate.
“This is a great opportunity for all kinds of staff to come together and do something to not only support the football group but also to improve their own wellbeing,” he said.
The football group is supported by the SHINE Foundation, which is part of Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW).
All money raised from this walk will be donated to the soccer group by SHINE as a thank you for their support of the people they support.
