LNWH charity is hosting its first ever virtual half marathon in October 2021 and encouraging people to help them raise vital funds, by either walking or running 13 miles in one go or throughout that month.

All funds raised from the virtual half marathon event will support several projects in the LNWH NHS Trust such as older people. One of the projects due to benefit from the money generated from the fundraising event, is the Elderly Care Wards Dayroom conversion, where the day rooms would be turned into reminiscent dwellings from the 1940s, 50’s and 60’s periods.

Dementia is one of most significant health and social care challenges of our generation, as there are currently 850,000 people in people living with the condition in England. The figure is also expected to rise to one million in 2025 and two million by 2051.

In the Brent, Ealing and Harrow boroughs, 8,970 individuals have dementia and this statistic is expected to climb to more than 12,550 by 2030.

This high proportion of patients means that a quarter of the hospital beds in the Trust, are occupied by someone who has dementia.

The conversion of the Elderly Care Wards Dayroom will help dementia patients gain a sense of familiarity away from the confusion of clinical care and experience comfort in a nostalgia setting.

David Jenkins, Joint Director of Charities at Hillingdon & London North West University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trusts, said:

“The LNWH charity is absolutely delighted to be hosting its very first half marathon this October and this fundraising event is a fantastic way for people to come together for such worthy causes."

“I would really urge people to take up the challenge and support us in our effort, to help patients and our dedicated staff to care and work even more effectively.”

All virtual half marathon participants are asked to pay a minimum entry fee (£10) which includes a special event T-shirt. Everyone who completes the 13 mile distance and raises money will receive a medal for their efforts.

Participants are able to set and make their fundraising effort even more fun by competing against family and friends.