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Date of release: 18th April 2024
Fab four’s pride at running total
Wolverhampton NHS colleagues have raised more than £3000 to improve patients’ experience after taking on a half marathon.
Brothers Deepak and Pardeep Chand, Suzanne Giles and Michelle Wilding took part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon (LLHM) after securing places via The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) Charity.
Along with almost 19,000 other runners, they set off on the 13.1-mile (21km) course, which took in sightseer favourites including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and Trafalgar Square.
The fab four took on the challenge on Sunday 7 April and were all thrilled to have completed the course.
Deepak Chand, Directorate Manager Cardiology said: “It was an amazing experience and very fulfilling after so much training. I enjoyed the crowds and atmosphere.
“I would say the most difficult thing about the marathon was running whilst feeling unwell, I was struggling from mile one. I feel happy to have raised money for the RWT Charity and that it will support those most in need and improve our services.”
Pardeep Chand said: “Completing a half marathon for the first ever time has given me confidence to try for another knowing I’m capable of doing anything if I put my mind to it.
“I enjoyed seeing my older brother pushing me to go faster and the mile long crowds cheering was a massive confidence booster. The most difficult thing about the marathon was knowing I had another 10 miles to go after completing three. I feel great knowing that the money I raised will help and change someone’s life somewhere along the line.”
For Suzanne Giles, Staff Nurse (Adult), this was her first half marathon.
She said: “It was very emotional as I had trained very hard and didn’t quite know what to expect. I felt exhilarated at the end.
“There was plenty to see around London; each landmark was another mile and there were plenty of choir’s drums to keep me energised. The crowds and the marshalls were there to shout your name if I was flagging and plenty of water and jelly babies provided throughout. It was such an honour to raise monies for RWT Charity to support patients, relatives and staff who need it.”
Michelle Wilding, Senior Sister, said: “Running the LLHM was an amazing experience!
“At the start, I remember feeling so nervous as it was my first half marathon experience and I did not know what to expect. But once I started running, the support of the crowds and all the entertainment along the way made it so enjoyable.
“The last three miles were the toughest as I felt so tired at this point, but the supporters gave me the incentive to carry on. The sense of achievement I felt when I crossed that finish line was amazing and made it all worth it. The money we have raised for RWT Charity is an unbelievable amount and knowing it is going to such a special charity makes it all worth the hard work and I can’t wait to take part in future events to raise even more.”
Amie Rogers, Fundraising and Lead Digital Engagement Officer said: “Our colleagues did so well – we’re proud of their achievement and grateful for all the money they have raised for the Charity.
“The money raised will help provide for things over and above what the NHS is able to deliver and help us create the best experience possible for patients and their families.”