Chloe’s preparing for the race of her life
Sister Chloe Harries, who works in our discharge lounge at Torbay Hospital, is taking on a challenge that’s been on her bucket list for years, the London Marathon. But this isn’t just about crossing the finish line, it’s about giving back to the hospital that has played a big role in her life.
After applying, unsuccessfully, to run the Marathon, it was fourth time lucky for Chloe, who secured a place to run the world-famous challenge with our Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity.
She’s now training hard and mentally preparing to join the 50,000 other runners who will be pounding the capital’s streets on Sunday 26 April. And even though she’ll be running nearly 220 miles from home, her mind will be focused on raising money for Torbay Hospital.
Chloe says: “Torbay Hospital has been my home for almost 10 years. Last year, my nan was cared for here before she passed away, and the compassion shown to her and to us as a family, was unforgettable. Running for Torbay is my way of saying thank you.”
As well as training at the weekend and after she’s finished work, Chloe’s also busy organising cake sales and quiz nights to help raise as much money as she can for our charity.
She says: “This would be such a proud moment for me. I can’t think of a better way to mark 10 years than by running the London Marathon for Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity.”
Every donation will help fund the big and little things that make a difference to our patients, their families and the staff that treat them, and you can support Chloe to go the distance and reach her £2,500 target by clicking on her Just Giving page.
Crystal’s making time for patients alongside her studies
Balancing school or college work and revising for exams can be challenging at the best of times, but for 50 local young people they’re also giving up their free time to help us to care for people in Torbay and South Devon.
More than 400 people volunteer with us across our hospital and community services, including 50 student ward buddies, providing companionship to our patients by reading to them, talking and playing games. They balance volunteering while studying for their exams or attending college or university, and we can’t thank them enough for all they do.
Student volunteer Crystal is one of our ward buddies who gives up her time to provide company to patients in our hospitals, and she’s generously shared an insight into what she does. Thank you, Crystal, and all our volunteers for helping us to care for our patients.
Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people, learn new skills and it looks great on college, university and job applications. If you’re interested in volunteering, call our team on 01803 656272 or email tsdft.volunteerwithus@nhs.net