A local runner has put himself through a trio of endurance events to show his appreciation for staff at Harrogate District Hospital’s Woodlands Ward after they took care of his 18 month old son.
Oliver Wilson was admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties in March this year and after a diagnosis of bronchitis spent several nights in the children’s ward at the hospital recovering. He was eventually discharged and has gone on to make a full recovery. However, the compassion and dedication of hospital staff left a lasting impression with his father, Dan.
Already a keen runner, Dan decided to show his gratitude by asking for donations for completing a triathlon, a 24 hour relay race and a marathon within the space of a few weeks.
After successfully completing the triathlon and 24 hour race, the final event, a solo marathon around Harrogate’s Stray, took place on Sunday 4 December. Dan took in 13 laps of the entire open space, with the 26.2 mile course starting and finishing at Harrogate District Hospital.
However, what was originally planned as a solo marathon soon turned into an unplanned community event after dozens of other local runners turned out to join him after hearing about his ambitions on social media and through word of mouth.
Dan said: “I was overwhelmed with the support I received. I had no idea so many people would join me and their stories about why they were running with me inspired me to keep going. I’d like to thank everyone that has donated to this very worthy cause, especially the team at Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity and Ripl Sports who supplied me with all of my running kit.”
Ashleigh Burns who ran with Dan for 13 kilometres left a message on Facebook saying: “Really glad I came along as with everyone’s support I managed my own challenge today too! Longest run ever!”
David Fisher, Community and Events Fundraiser at Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity, said: “Thanks to the amazing support of people like Dan, Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity is able to provide funds for pay for specialist equipment, research and patient and family support that would otherwise not be there, making a real difference to patient and their families when they need it most.
“The support Dan received from so many others joining him on the run shows just what an amazing community we live in here in Harrogate.”
Dan completed his marathon on The Stray in three hours and 34 minutes. At the time of writing donations currently stand at £1,045 with more coming in all the time. You can still donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/enduramonth or contact David Fisher at Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Stephen Kelly, Communications and Marketing Assistant, [email protected] and 01423 557732.
Contact Dan Wilson at 07946004670 or [email protected]
Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity
Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity is the Charity for Harrogate District Hospital and Community Health Services. We raise funds to help do more for local patients and their families when they need it most. We fund specialist equipment, training and services over and above what the NHS provides. We raise funds for individual departments and services and the charity as a whole. To support Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity visit www.hdft.nhs.uk/hhcc
Registered charity 1050008