Walsall NHS colleagues have raised more than £1900 to improve patients’ experience after taking on a half marathon.
Reshma Jayakumar, Manoj Lakha and Andy Tams took part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon (LLHM) after securing places via Well Wishers charity.
Along with almost 19,000 other runners, they set off on the 13.1-mile (21km) course, which took in sightseer favourites including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and Trafalgar Square.
The proud trio took on the challenge on Sunday 7 April and were all thrilled to have completed the course.
Reshma Jayakumar, ESR Officer at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust said: “You feel accomplished, proud, and thankful when you reach the finish line.
“The atmosphere was just amazing. The crowd, participants, the planned entertainment throughout the route – it was a celebration in every possible way. The last couple of miles were gruelling, it felt like the route was endless. But then you feel the surge in energy when you see the finish line.
“I am humbled and grateful for the enormous support we have received so far from everyone who helped us with the fundraising. It is incredible. I would like to thank my family, friends, colleagues, and Well Wishers for supporting me in this journey.”
Manoj Lakha, Graphic Designer, said: I’m absolutely thrilled to have completed the 2024 London Landmarks Half Marathon. I’ve done a few half marathons in the past, however, this is the first time I’ve done so in honour of Well Wishers so it’s extra special.
“It was amazing to have the roads of London all to ourselves as we ran the 13.1 miles. Not to mention all the amazing sights we saw on the way – I saw more of London in a few hours than I have in my whole life!
“The highlight for me was running across Westminster Bridge as we neared the end, and also having my family cheering along as I crossed the finish line. The medal was pretty cool too. The second half of the run was certainly tougher than the first as I began to tire but thinking of the charity and the Trust definitely helped to spur me on.
“I’m proud of myself, Reshma and Andy for championing Well Wishers and raising money towards all the wonderful causes it supports. Thank you to everyone who donated and a bigger thank you to Well Wishers for all it’s amazing achievements across our Trust.”
Andy Tams, Undergraduate Medical Education Manager, credited the support of his son during winter training runs with his success.
He said: “I did lots of training and so felt quite well prior to the run, I had a couple of injuries I was concerned about, but the organisers had arranged for us to have a proper warm up with an instructor which really helped.
“I enjoyed the challenge, the opportunity to get fitter, the support from the crowds, raising money for the chosen charity and proving to myself that I could do it despite limited training due to unforeseen circumstances.
“I was really pleased and proud to have raised money for the charity. Special thank you to Well Wishers for all their hard work and commitment to many causes, thank you to everybody that sponsored us, thank you to my family and friends for joining and supporting me in London and thank you to Tolly my son for keeping me going through the winter training when it was very dark, cold and wet!”
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager said: “What an amazing experience and achievement for our colleagues who took part. We are so proud of them and grateful for all the money they have raised for the charity.
“The money we raise helps to purchase things over and above what the NHS is able to provide and help to provide the best experience possible for patients and their families. The runners have asked that this particular fundraiser benefits our Elderly Care Dementia Team.”