11 October 2017

For immediate release

Teams from St Charles Hospital Danube and Thames Ward raised a total of over £3,000 in sponsorship for the Richmond Parkrun five or 10km which they completed on Saturday 7 October.

Passionate about providing the best quality of care despite economic pressures in healthcare, teams from the hospital will run the race annually to raise money for the hospital.

Shahin Alvis, Ward Manager for the Thames ward, whose team ran alongside the Danube team, said: "Let us all join hands together to raise money for patients with mental health problems which will be distributed on buying equipment, entertainment, activities and events etc. It is our duty to provide a therapeutic ward environment that will improve patient experience and their recovery."

Emily Tabb, Clinical Team Leader on Danube Ward, explained: "We work within a mental health hospital, and every day we meet people in crisis who are struggling to cope with their lives. Our patients can be the most vulnerable people in society - every day we endeavour to help them in any way we can. Sometimes, however, the constraints of finance in the NHS can reduce our creativity and the opportunity to go above and beyond for our patients.

"We appreciate any donation that is provided to us and we promise it will directly make a difference to our patients and their experience in hospital."

Claire Woolcock, Clinical Director for Kensington and Chelsea, offered her congratulations to everyone who participated: "I'd like to say a big well done to everyone who ran and a thank you to everyone who came out to support us. It was such a success that I understand there are already commitments from our other wards (Ganges and HTT) to join as teams for Spring 2018. So get training, everyone!

"If anyone has any other ideas for fundraising, please get in touch."

For media enquiries please contact:

Jessica.Cooke3@nhs.net

02032145763

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Stephenson House, 75 Hampstead Road, London NW1 2PL
Tel: 020 3214 5756 e-mail:communications.cnwl@nhs.net