A huge thank you to Sarah, who last weekend completed the Thames Path Ultra Challenge to raise vital funds for the SHC.
Sarah took on the challenge with her husband, Eliot, following a route along the River Thames upstream from Putney, through scenic countryside to Runnymede. It must have been a lovely route, but completing 50km takes a lot of effort and determination – well done, Sarah and Eliot!
A challenge with a very personal meaning
Sarah chose to fundraise for the SHC as a way of thanking the cardiac teams at Royal Sussex County Hospital (RSCH), who cared for her dad earlier this year when he needed emergency heart surgery.
For Sarah and her family, it was an incredibly difficult and worrying time. Emergency heart surgery can be a frightening experience for both the patient and their loved ones. The family are deeply grateful for the care, expertise and compassion shown by the cardiac teams who looked after her dad.
“I originally signed up for fun, to mark a big birthday, but recent months changed that. During March this year, my dad needed emergency heart surgery. There were complications during the operation and a scary time for us all.
Thanks to the amazing cardiac team at Royal Sussex County Hospital, they were able to save my dad’s life and he loves life! The skill and compassion they showed, not just to dad but to our whole family, was nothing short of incredible. They treat every patient and their family as if they’re the only people in the world.
So, I decided to turn this walk into something more meaningful – raising money for Sussex Heart Charity – to say thank you…I know it’ll help make a huge difference.” – Sarah
Taking on a 50km walking challenge was Sarah’s way of turning that gratitude into something positive – raising money to help support the cardiac care and the teams who had been there for her family when they needed them most.
Sarah’s dad was there to meet her at the finish line – a really special moment after everything they have been through.
We’re sure it meant a great deal to them both.
Thank you, Sarah!
Sarah has now raised over £600 – a fantastic total that will make a real difference.
We would like to thank everyone who supported Sarah’s fundraiser. Among the many generous donations, one in particular really stood out. Sarah’s 11-year-old daughter donated £20 from her own savings to support her mum’s challenge. It was a wonderfully thoughtful gesture and a lovely reminder of just how personal this fundraiser has been for Sarah and her family.
Completing a 50km Ultra Challenge is an amazing achievement – and we’re very grateful to Sarah and Eliot for taking in on in support of the SHC. And we thank Sarah for turning such a personal family experience into something that will help make a difference to others.
Thank you, Sarah! ❤️
