Together they raised an incredible £1190 to support people and services
Earlier in the year we were delighted to learn that a team of six Mersey Care doctors were in training for an epic walking challenge to raise funds for our charity and support people and services across the Trust.
On Sunday 1 June they set off for Snowdonia national park to embark upon their quest to reach the peak of Wales' highest mountain, the imposing Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa). Standing 1,085 metres (3,560 ft) above sea level, it is not only the highest mountain in Wales, but the highest in the British Isles south of the Scottish Highlands.
Braving the elements and the challenging terrain, team captain, Dr Nanda Dayalan, along with Dr Aravind Komuravelli, Dr Nismen Lathif, Dr Jukanti Raju, Dr Devena Sharma and Dr Geetha Jaganathan said they felt 'humbled and honoured' to take on the challenge in support of patients and wider community.
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together"
Following the challenge, Dr Nanda Dayalan, a Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director for Adult Inpatient Services shared some words with us on behalf of the entire team about their experience:
"Taking part in this challenge as a team was a wonderful experience. Despite the temptation to give up facing the mountain to climb ahead, we were able to motivate each other to continue the journey forward as a team and not give up at any time even when our legs were getting weaker, and our spirit was tested.
The views of mountains around and valleys below were stunning, and we thoroughly enjoyed this expedition especially as the weather was gorgeous and perfect for hiking.
As the African proverb goes, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together". Through this challenge, we hope to have conveyed the message, how keeping fit and networking with people, will improve mental well-being. We believe a stronger and healthier workforce can lead to better service provision to our patients.
We feel humbled and honoured to be part of this challenge and to raise awareness on staff mental health and wellbeing whilst raising £1190 for Mersey Cares charity to continue with their mission to tackle health inequalities, challenge stigma and enable our specialist mental health and community services to do more.
We are thankful to all our friends and colleagues who wished us well and supported us with this fundraising challenge by cheering us along and making valuable donations to a worthy cause."
A heartfelt thank you
Speaking about the doctors' fundraising challenge, Strategic Charity Lead, Joanne Watson said:
"We were so thrilled to hear that Dr Nanda Dayalan and his formidable team were in training for this Snowdon challenge to support Mersey Cares and help us to bring to life projects outside the scope of the NHS that serve the health needs of our communities, challenges stigma and helps people live happier, healthier lives. It really is an incredible achievement to reach the summit and we're so thankful to every one who took part and all those who donated in support."
Could you take on a fundraising challenge for Mersey Cares?
If you'd like to take on a challenge to support Mersey Cares we have a number of events to choose from in our organised events portfolio - or you could create your own challenge and do it your way! Take a look at our fundraising page for ideas or get in touch charity