All smiles on the Festive Mile!

Date of release: 8 December 2023

Rain failed to dampen the spirits of fundraisers who joined Father Christmas and The Grinch to take part in The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity’s Festive Mile.

Staff from across the Trust donned Santa hats – and many wore their favourite Christmas jumpers – to take part and boost funds to enhance the experience of patients using healthcare services. And their efforts brought in an amazing £175.

Yesterday’s event was also important for health and wellbeing and gave hard-working staff a chance for some fresh air and exercise, despite the wind and rain.

David Law, Head of Knowledge Services, and Josh Brazier, Knowledge Services Assistant, were among those who took part.

“We’re pleased to support the Charity and aren’t put off by a bit of rain!” said David.

Bal Chanion joined colleagues from Finance and said: “It’s always good to help other people and as a team it’s nice to do something together too.”

Father Christmas was his usually jolly self, encouraging walkers along the way but he was joined by a very mischievous cyclist.

The Grinch, AKA Adam Billington, Creative Director of Gatis Community Centre, joined in on his bike, playing the part of the cynical character created by Dr Seuss to perfection.

“I’m not dis-similar to The Grinch as I can be a bit bah humbug, but I had a great time playing him on the Festive Mile,” said Adam.

The father-of-three, 51, is a grateful former patient after having open heart surgery at New Cross Hospital.

“Our centre is involved with the Charity through its knitting group, but this was my first time of being involved and I really wanted to give something back for the care I received,” he said.

Amie Rogers, Fundraising and Lead Digital Engagement Officer, said the Charity was thrilled to see so many supportive staff in such poor weather.

“Considering they had wind and rain to contend with, everyone taking part did so in good spirits and we’d like to thank them for turning out for the fundraiser,” she said.

“A special thank you to Santa and The Grinch too for proving to be such brilliant company on the Festive Mile.”