“We’re really looking forward to this fundraiser and want as many people to get behind us as possible – even if it’s from the comfort of their own sofa on the day!”

Covid survivor Ian Hawkins is just a couple of weeks away from a 26 mile walk organised in partnership with our Well Wishers charity to raise money for Walsall Manor Hospital’s Critical Care Rehabilitation Team.

Ian’s Walk starts and finishes at the hospital on Sunday 27 June and goes along the canal network to Chasewater. The event is being officially sponsored by Coinadrink, providing walk T-shirts and mid-point refreshments and the company met with Ian today for a photo call.

Ian, aged 58, who is now up to walking 19 miles as he prepares for the big day said:

“We’ve got more than 80 people taking part altogether which is fantastic.

“Some are doing the whole walk, others are doing a few miles here and there and whatever anyone does is greatly appreciated as it’s for such a fantastic cause. The rehabilitation team is such an asset to the hospital, helping Covid survivors and other patients who have been in critical care. From my personal point of view everyone involved has really helped get me back on my feet to enjoy the life that’s important to me and my family after such a rough time with the virus last year.

“Thank you to Coinadrink for their generosity too in sponsoring the event. And as we get closer to the walk I’d also like to appeal to people to make a donation if they can’t take part but still want to show their support for this wonderful team. You can do a lot even if it’s from your sofa at home!”

Tom Williams, Sales and Marketing Manager said: “We wanted to sponsor the event as it felt like the natural thing to do after supporting the Critical care Unit in various ways for the last 15 months. Everyone in our team has been touched by Ian’s story and we are happy to help raise money.”

Father-of-two Ian was admitted to Walsall Manor Hospital on 29 March 2020 after developing Covid-19 symptoms and experiencing breathing difficulties.  Within 24 hours he was placed on full ventilation and over the next few weeks he suffered pneumonia, sepsis, multiple-organ failure and a secondary bacterial infection.

As well as seeing his family through the Critical Care Unit window, including his first grandchild, at one point Ian’s bed was brought outside so he could see his beloved pet dog Indi.

He was able to go home on 9 June 2020 and has been focusing on his recovery and looking to the future ever since.

More details can be found on Ian’s Just Giving page here.