Five colleagues from a mental health hospital in Harrow recently achieved a remarkable feat. They completed a challenging 122km trek in just 55 hours.
This accomplishment was part of their efforts to support individuals with autism. Originally aiming to raise £1,000 for the National Autistic Society by trekking The Camino de Santiago in Spain, the team from Cygnet Hospital Harrow exceeded all expectations.
Their fundraising efforts tripled their initial target, currently standing at over £3,100. The Camino de Santiago is known as one of the oldest walking routes globally. The journey concluded at the grand Baroque Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, which marks the final resting place of St. James the apostle.
Organiser of the challenge was Will Anderson-White, Cygnet Health Care Operational Improvement Lead. He said the whole team have a huge sense of accomplishment for completing the trek.
The 31-year-old said: “I feel privileged to have shared this unique experience with such an amazing group of individuals. Everyone gave their all and left absolutely nothing on the table.
“Top tier team work was our secret weapon and boy did we utilise it. From carrying each other’s bags, sharing snacks to singing every RnB song we could think of – the momentum carried us through the dark testing times.
“Most importantly we were able to do it in the aid of raising money for the National Autisitic Society. A massive thank you to Cygnet for making this happen, it wouldn’t have been possible without their continued support.”
Will took on the challenge alongside Hospital Director Ricky Mugwagwa, Ward Manager Alex Constantinescu, Occupational Therapist Michélle Van Vuren and Mental Health Act Lead Tulsi Patel.
The hospital, on London Road, Harrow on the Hill, is run by health and social care company, Cygnet, and provides support to those with mental health needs and autism.
Will added: “We wanted to choose something which would really challenge our abilities.
“The sense of achievement of completing a challenge of this magnitude along with raising awareness and showing support for a charity which is aligned with the work and care we provide for our services users here at Cygnet Hospital Harrow was our biggest motivation.
“We all agreed it was the most difficult challenge any of us have ever experienced. There were significant moments where we had to support each other and push through the pain.
“The biggest challenge was definitely the tiredness and recovery each day, our bodies were pushed to the limit. Mentally we remained strong but the physical aspects were very tough.
“We learned so much through this challenge and we know now that we can conquer anything. The mind is stronger than we know.”
To donate, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/page/william-anderson-white-1706884908743
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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