Nurse in solo charity walk from Southend to Basildon for heart patients
February is Heart Month, and a Basildon Hospital nurse is completing solo walking challenges to help raise funds to support further improvements for patients.
Shona Perry, from Laindon, is a nurse in the world-renowned Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC) and is raising money for the centre, which is home to numerous UK and world-leading innovations in heart care.
She’ll be getting her own heart pumping by walking from Southend Hospital to Basildon Hospital on Sunday 1 February, and by also talking part in the Kent Downs 50km ultra challenge later this year.
The mum of three, who studied for her nursing degree while working and raising her family, has a deeply personal motivation for working in that area of nursing and taking on this fundraiser.
Shona said: “Seventeen years ago, my dad passed away from an undiagnosed heart condition. That’s something that’s always stayed with me. I started walking for my own health and stress levels, and over time I came across ultra challenges to see how far I could push myself.
“I know that working with patients on our cardiothoracic wards is exactly where I’m supposed to be, and that my experiences have led me here. I’ll do everything I can to give back and to help patients have the best possible care.”
She hopes the walk will help raise funds to enhance patient experience, from improving ward environments to providing new equipment and research support.
You can support Shona and the CTC by donating via her JustGiving page: Team fundraising for Mid & South Essex Hospitals Charity is fundraising for Mid & South Essex Hospitals Charity.