Trinity's Therapies team will be collectively clocking up the distance from Lands End to John O’Groats throughout November to raise funds for the hospice. They will cover the 874 mile distance by any means of exercise allowed under lockdown conditions.

The team of seven, which consists of four physiotherapists, a physiotherapy student, an occupational therapist, and a complementary therapy coordinator, is aiming to raise £2 for every mile they cover. They have so far raised over £700 of their £1,748 target.

Trinity Physiotherapist Paul Stone said:

“Dealing with the practicalities of adjusting to a life-limiting illness can be stressful. The Therapies team is here to help patients live independently and stay active and mobile for longer.

With the prospect of another month of lockdown ahead of us, the entire team decided to take on a challenge that would keep us active throughout the month and we set a fundraising target to make sure we stuck to it!

This year we have faced real challenges to the way we can work with and support patients due to the pandemic, but the challenges haven’t ended there. Our colleagues at Trinity are working hard to ensure continued funding for all the hospice’s services in a very difficult financial environment. It was important to us to pitch in and raise some valuable funds while keeping moving throughout lockdown.”

Last year it cost £16 million to run the hospice and provide specialist palliative end of life care to over 2,500 patients and support for 900 carers. Just one quarter of the funds needed came from the NHS, the rest is raised through Trinity’s shops, events and donations. The hospice, which is a charity, has experienced a dramatic drop in income due to mandatory shop closures and the cancellation of events such as its annual Summer Garden Party, Gala Dinner and the London Marathon.

In addition to the specialist nurses and doctors, counsellors, social workers and benefits advisor, Trinity’s Therapies team plays a key role in supporting patients and those around them to manage the challenges that their illness brings.

Since March, the team has changed the way they support and interact with patients to ensure they can still be there for people living at home. Depending on people’s needs, the Therapies team is providing their expertise through a combination of telephone and video calls, face to face visits and online videos.

Support the Trinity Therapies team with a donation on JustGiving