Springhill Hospice staff embark on 14-day virtual trek to India

The 40 staff members have been walking 15,000 steps a day since Saturday 14 November to reach their 5,003 mile target

After many fundraising events were cancelled due to Covid-19, 40 nurses at Springhill Hospice are walking the equivalent distance to India over 14 days.

The staff members decided to take on the virtual trek after a fundraising trip to India by two of the hospice’s nurses had been cancelled. The nurses had planned to embark on the trip earlier this year to raise money for the hospice, which requires more than £3.2 million each year to stay open.

The idea originally came from Dr Charlotte Barber, who noticed the emotional toll the Covid-19 pandemic was having on staff and patients. Dr Barber then proposed the idea of a trek to Sophie Ainsley, fundraiser manager for the hospice.

To raise both funds and morale, the 40 staff members have been walking 15,000 steps a day – the average they would walk during a shift – since Saturday 14 November to reach their 5,003 mile target.

The staff are complying with social distancing guidelines, and have been counting their steps in a variety of ways, including walking, running and cycling. 

Palliative care nurse Nathan Dickinson, one of the staff members taking part in the challenge, said: “This really shows the generosity of the people of Rochdale; we are really pleased and proud and impressed with what people have given to us.”

He added: “Every day I’ve done it, I’ve never seen my dog so tired.”

Caregivers at the hospital have reported an emotionally challenging year, as their main source of income from donations has been limited as most of their fundraising events, including their Summer Fair, and upcoming Christmas Fair and Santa Dash, have been cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Many patients also have gone without seeing family and friends, unless they are receiving end-of-life care.

Originally the team aimed to raise £1,000 but have smashed this, with over £4,500 being raised at the time of publication.

To support the hospice and donate, please visit:

• https://justgiving.com/fundraising/lockdown-India-trek