Blisters, aches and pains! But all the discomfort of stomping across 26 miles of Oxfordshire’s terrain was worth it for Oxford Health’s children’s community nurses as they continue to smash their fundraising target in support of some of the county’s sickest children.
Our nurses Nikki Phillips, Christina Newbould and Felicity Gilbert (picture l-r) strode out for more than eight hours on the marathon ROSY Great Estates Walk last weekend, determined to raise as much money as possible for a cause which is very close to their hearts.
They are part of the nursing team that supports ROSY (Respite Nursing for Oxfordshire’s Sick Youngsters) – caring for children born with chronic and often life-limiting illnesses.
Our nurses care for these special youngsters and their families via ROSY, which is a fund that operates under the umbrella of Oxford Health Charity.
They have surpassed their fundraising goal but are appealing for more help in raising even more cash for ROSY and the children they nurse. You can support them on their Just Giving page here
Nikki, Christina and Felicity are used to going the extra mile in their day jobs, but the walk was something else as Nikki explained: “Having never walked that sort of distance before I don’t think we truly knew what we were in for. However, all three of us surpassed our own expectations. It was a perfect day for walking; sunshine and a cool wind. “
The team and other walkers met at the stunning Wilcote Manor for a briefing and fuelling of hot drinks, cakes and savouries. Setting off at 0800 sharp the pace was quick but the flow of conversation and beautiful scenery kept them going. After a stop off at Pudlicote, lunch was spent in the stunning grounds of Ditchley Park where they were met by more members of the Oxford Health team for the final leg or their journey.
Nikki added: “Within the final hours the cramps and blisters slowly began to appear but with the support of our fellow walkers we put our heads down and strode on ‘til the end. Returning to a welcoming party and more cake at Wilcote Manor at 5.15pm, we got back 45 minutes earlier than planned.
“We felt a sense of pride and achievement in completing the full 26 miles. Even more so upon checking our funding raising page and seeing we had breached £1000.”
Published: 26 April 2022