Hundreds of people turned out to take part in the NHS at 70 bed push and 5k and 10k run at Cardiff Bay last weekend.
With blue skies overhead and a sea of smiling faces, 16 teams took on the bed push sprint at Cardiff Bay Barrage, with wonderfully decorated beds and team spirit a plenty. Almost 300 people took part in the 5k and 10k run around the Bay in the glorious sunshine.
Bed push racers and runners have helped to raise over £7,000 for Cardiff & Vale Health Charity to support those with brain injuries and other departments across the UHB.
The winners of the bed push race were The Physio Sailors, Occupational Thera-pets took the title of best dressed bed and the Health Charity team are waiting to announce the winner of the most amount raised as donations are still pouring in.
Behind the scenes, helping to organise this event was Paul Harrison, Professional Lead for General Podiatric Practice at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Paul was instrumental in pulling the event together, as in November 2016 he had a traumatic brain injury and is passionate about giving something back for the kindness and care he received.
Paul said:
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the bed push and run. It was a fantastic event – to see so many people out supporting this celebration of the NHS at 70 made me feel very proud.”
Lucie Barrett, Fundraising Officer for Cardiff & Vale Health Charity said:
“I’d like to thank everyone for their sponsorship and donations for the brain injury unit at Rookwood Hospital and other departments across the UHB. I’d also like to thank our sponsors FSG, Cardiff Bay Morrisons, Cardiff and Vale Unison, Invacare, and the Publicity Centre.
“I’d like to say a special thanks to Light Up Events who did a fantastic job in helping to organise the event.
“Without everyone’s support we couldn’t put on events like this and we look forward to doing it all over again next year!”
Light up Events Director Paul Jenkins said:
“The event was yet another great success for Light Up Events and in Cardiff we have helped to raise over £15,000 for health causes such as this. We look forward to the next event and would like to thank the NHS team for their hard work and all the runners and supporters who came along to join in.”
Len Richards, Chief Executive of Cardiff and Vale Health Board said:
“I really enjoyed coming along to the NHS at 70 bed push and run.
“I was blown away with the thought, time and effort teams had gone to dressing and decorating their beds. I took part in the 5k walk and it was lovely to chat to many of the participants and see so many people come and support this event. The team spirit, camaraderie and competition between bed pushers and racers was fantastic, what a great event.”
If you still wish to sponsor any of the teams please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/cardiffandvale/bedpushchallenge
