Earlier this month, 6 teams of staff from various services at Carleton Clinic walked the 84 mile length of Hadrian’s Wall to raise funds for a local community mental health football group. Clinical staff from 6 inpatient wards were joined by colleagues from support services and the route was split into 6 half day legs. The football group, run by Carlisle United Community Sports Trust and supported by SHINE, has made a big positive impact on patients over the past few years and staff wanted to fundraise to help future proof the group.
The first group set off from Wallsend at 8am on Wednesday 15 May, and the final group reached Bowness-on-Solway by 7.30pm on Friday. Many ambitious walkers chose to do multiple legs, with some covering an amazing 28 miles in one day! Outside the urban areas of the walk, staff enjoyed the beautiful views of the countryside and came across and interacted with a number of wildlife including llamas and sheep. By the evening, the teams had raised over £3000 for SHINE, an incredible result and staff reported thoroughly enjoying the walk and the opportunity to grow closer as teams, with many already planning their next adventure.
“It’s been a huge success, not just with the large amount of money raised but the kindnss and camaraderie shown towards each other has been the real highlight of the week, the morale and spirit has never been higher,” said Aaron Vaughan, Inpatient Matron.
“It aligned perfectly with Mental Health Awareness week and our efforts were appreciated by the kind generosity from fellow hikers, family, friends and colleagues Trust wide. It was tough at times, broken skin and even broken boots but the distance couldn’t break our spirit!”