Major trauma survivor Andy Edmonds, 57, is running an epic 1200 miles to fundraise for NorthCare, the official charity of Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust.
In August 2020, Andy suffered head, spine, shoulder and chest injuries and was treated in the Critical Care Unit at Salford Royal Hospital after an accident on a bike ride in the Peak District in August 2020. He was found unconscious on the side of the road by a passer-by, and was treated for his severe injuries, including a bleed on the brain, staying in hospital until September. Determined to stay active, Andy completed a half marathon in May 2021, just nine months after his discharge.
To show his appreciation for the care he received, Andy has been taking on fundraising challenges and his latest adventure has him running from Lands End to John o’Groats in six stages, with a fundraising target of £10,000 to be donated to NorthCare Charity’s RAPTOR appeal.
“I benefitted enormously from the continuity of care and the wonderful support of so many people who helped me to navigate the ups and downs to where I am today”, Andy said.
“My end-to-end challenge is a personal journey but also one that I hope will inspire others who have themselves incurred trauma injuries or wish to support our brilliant NHS staff by contributing to a great cause.”
Andy’s fundraising will contribute to the £1.4 million RAPTOR appeal which aims to create the first hybrid major trauma theatre in the UK, based in the Greater Manchester Major Trauma Hospital. The Theatre will treat those with life-threatening trauma injuries by performing scans, X-rays, and surgical procedures in one place, saving time and reducing risk by ensuring patients don’t need to be moved to different locations to be cared for.
Andy had the opportunity to visit the RAPTOR Theatre, currently under construction, to find out more about the difference it would make. “It was amazing to see the progress that has already been made and I felt more motivated than ever to raise as much as possible through my challenge”, he said.
“It has been a pleasure to support Andy with his fundraising for NorthCare Charity since his recovery over the last few years, and we’re delighted to see him taking on the ‘End to End’ challenge”, said Jess Pollard, Fundraising Officer for NorthCare Charity.
“We would love to encourage anyone who is inspired by Andy’s story to get in touch with us and take on their own fundraising challenge for a cause that’s important to them!”
Andy has completed the first leg of his challenge, and is preparing to take on the second stage, from Barnstable, Devon to Knighton, Powys, on 28 April. You can follow his progress on social media, @NCareCharity, or visit his fundraising page, https://www.justgiving.com/andrew-edmonds5. Find out more about NorthCare Charity and the RAPTOR Theatre at northcarecharity.org/RAPTOR.