AN occupational therapist took on a running challenge that raised more than £1,200 for Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust's Globe-backed COVID-19 appeal.

Sally Taylor was set to run the London Marathon but, as this was cancelled because of social distancing measures, swapped the streets of London for the roads near her Wirral home.

She added an extra 22 miles to the marathon's length, setting herself a target to run 48 miles in 48 hours.

All proceeds will go to the WUTH Covid-19 Support Fund. 

Launched in partnership with the Globe last month it is a chance for the public to help Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals by raising money that can be quickly redistributed into the effort to tackle the pandemic in Wirral.

The campaign has so far raised more than £32,000, thanks to support from the community.

Sally, who has worked at the Trust for more than 20 years, looking after orthopaedic patients at Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge, said she was proud to have helped raise funds for the appeal.

She told the Globe: "The COVID-19 pandemic has tested every single member of the Trust.

"We've had to get used to working while wearing necessary PPE and this makes it hard to communicate with patients and give them a reassuring smile.

"This has been the toughest challenge, mentally and physically, in my career.

"I couldn't run the marathon but wanted to promote the amazing work we have all been doing and to celebrate the strength that everyone is showing through this.

"Thanks to the generous support of my donors, I’m so pleased to have raised an amazing amount of funds too!"

Praising Sally's efforts, Victoria Burrows, head of fundraising at Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust, said: "This is such an amazing achievement by Sally and a huge thank you for all her efforts.

"We have been overwhelmed by the support from the local community since the appeal was launched and would like to thank them for all their donations.

"Every donation we receive makes a difference.

"We would again like to say a big thank you to the Wirral Globe for their support with the appeal."

As for Sally, after a brief rest from running, she’ll be back in training with coach Jon Fairhurst, looking forward to other marathons in the future.

Her ambition is to add New York and Chicago to her running achievements.

Related story link:

https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/18364409.covid-19-support-appeal-launched/