Volunteer walks John Bunyan Trail to raise thousands for Bedford Hospital
A volunteer has raised almost £4,000 to support Bedford Hospital patients and their families.
Jacquie Farhoud, who volunteers at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, walked the 81-mile journey across five days, starting on Monday, September 7.
The money raised will go to Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity, supporting the Blossom and Forget-Me-Not Services for end-of-life care and dementia at Bedford Hospital.
Jacquie said: “I love walking. Locally we are blessed with a superb network of footpaths, and I regularly pass way markers for the John Bunyan Trail when out and about.
“During my time as a governor at Bedfordshire Hospitals, I became aware of the Blossom and Forget-Me-Not volunteer services. I am in awe of these wonderful, compassionate people who provide such incredible support to some of the most vulnerable patients in the hospitals. So to walk a local trail on their behalf seemed obvious.”
She walked roughly 16 miles a day, adding: “I knew it would be tough, especially on my feet and knees.
“I am humbled by the amount raised. The Blossom and Forget-Me-Not Services do not have the same exposure as other charities, but clearly what they do resonated with so many of my family, friends and colleagues.”
The donation to the Blossom Service will go towards the refurbishment and creation of two Blossom rooms on Russell and Arnold Whitchurch Wards – enabling end-of-life patients and their families to spend quality time together in a private setting.
The Forget-Me-Not service will put the donation towards helping make hospital stays warmer, friendlier and more engaging for hospital patients living with dementia. This will include specialist reminiscence resources for engagement and stimulation, memory books, and activities to reduce feelings of distress.
Charmaine Norrish, fundraising manager at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity, said: “I am incredibly grateful to our amazing volunteer Jacquie for taking on the John Bunyan Trail and raising an outstanding £3,820 for the Blossom and Forget-Me-Not Services at Bedford Hospital.
“Jacquie's dedication, determination and compassion will make a real difference to our patients and their families. On behalf of everyone at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity, thank you for this remarkable achievement and for supporting such important services.”
Visit Jacquie’s JustGiving page to donate.