Fundraisers ready for mountain challenge

Fourteen members of staff, along with family and friends, will be tackling Snowdon tomorrow (Saturday 20 September) to support the appeal, launched by Your RWTC, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s charity, and have collectively raised more than £5,000 in sponsorship so far.

They want to create a dedicated calm and peaceful space for loved ones to take a break from the busy ward environment as they support relatives and friends through end-of-life care.

Victoria Chumate, Group Personal Assistant, said: “Climbing Snowdon will be a great challenge, but every step taken will bring us one step closer to creating something truly meaningful for those in need of this designated space.

“For families facing the prospect of losing a loved one, palliative care isn’t only about medical support – it’s about compassion, togetherness, and making the most of every moment. This family room will provide a warm, private space for loved ones to share memories, find comfort, and simply be with each other. With your support, we can make sure local families have a sanctuary of peace and dignity when they need it most.”

Manjit Uppall, Senior Support Worker, is climbing Snowdon with her daughter Parmjit and said the fundraiser was a cause “close to their hearts.”

“Losing my child at birth means I’d like to challenge myself physically and mentally. I can’t wait for the feeling of a sense of accomplishment and to connect with other people,” she said.

The Specialist Palliative Care Team offers individualised support to patients who are facing life-limiting illness, including those who are recognised to be in their last days of life. This encompasses managing any troublesome physical symptoms, such as pain and sickness, emotional support and SWAN care in the last days of life. The SWAN model of care is used throughout the hospital as a multi-disciplinary team approach to end of life and bereavement care. It stands for Signs, Words, Actions and Needs.

The team support patients and their loved ones by providing individualised, personalised care to patients and works in collaboration with SWAN champions, a dedicated group of staff, passionate about achieving high quality, end of life and bereavement care across the organisation.

Dr Hannah Jennens, Consultant in Palliative Medicine, added: “Thank you to everyone who has supported our Snowdon climb, we are so grateful for your donations towards our SWAN appeal to help create a haven for loved ones to take a break, refresh and recharge away from the busy ward environments. We’re all excited to be supporting this great cause and Your RWTC.”

Amanda Winwood, Charity Development Manager, said: “Good luck to all our climbers tomorrow made up of our Specialist Palliative Care Team, SWAN champions and kind-hearted colleagues– we’ll definitely be with them in spirit, encouraging them to reach the summit.

“This is such an important appeal and we’re hoping local businesses and other organisations will support us to create this much-needed haven.”

Staff taking part are:

Andrea Campbell-Jackson – Directorate Support Manager for Adult Community Services

Sharon Nagra – Group Manager for Stroke, Neurology, Older Adult Medicine and Palliative Care

Dr Benoit Ritzenthaler – Consultant in Palliative Medicine

Debbie Callow -Senior Matron for Renal

Dr Gill Malcolm -Consultant in Older Adult Medicine

Krystie Issac – Matron for Older Adult Medicine and Palliative Care

Dr Rajeev Raghavan -Divisional Medical Director Division 2, Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology

Jo Howells – Sister for Supportive Care Virtual Ward Adult Community Services

Dr Hannah Jennens – Consultant in Palliative Medicine

Vic Chumate – Group PA for Older Adult Medicine, Stroke, Neurology, Palliative Care and GIM

Helen Farrelly-Daly -Senior Matron for Gastroenterology

Lucy Johnson – PA to the Deputy Head for Nurse Education

Laura Simpson -Mortuary Technician Swan Suite

Manjit Uppal –Senior support worker and Swan Champion

To donate please go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/yourrwtcbereavementappeal?utm_medium=CA&utm_source=CL