THE CHAIR of a renowned Leamington health charity is running her first race since childhood to raise funds for patients with complex neurological conditions.
Caroline Wilson will be running the 5km race in Daventry on September 7 for Castel Froma Neuro Care.
It is one of only two centres of its kind in England that treats NHS patients with complex neurological illnesses like Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, or who have suffered trauma in an accident.
Caroline, who is in her early 60s, said: “I’ve bought some running shoes and on September 7 I’m going to do my first ever 5km run to raise funds for this very special charity.
“I can’t explain how much of a non-runner I am, but let’s just say that this will be my first race since I was made to do the 800 metres in a school sports day in the 1970s.
“I was talking to a friend who’s a runner and, in a moment of madness, somehow found myself entering the race. To make sure I don’t wimp out, I’ve decided to get sponsored to raise money for Castel Froma.
“Despite its essential place in the healthcare system, it is a constant challenge to balance the books here at Castel Froma as NHS and social care budgets only cover the costs of essential nursing and therapy.
“Many people who use our facilities at Lillington House and Helen Ley House in Leamington need months or years of rehabilitation before they moving to more independent living, and for some it becomes their long-term home.
“I’m therefore raising money to help make it feel more like a home than a hospital by funding extra activities and entertainment, which can make a massive difference to residents’ wellbeing.
“Thank you in advance to everyone who sponsors me. I’m now in training and am determined to raise as much as I can by completing the race.”
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/improve-lives-at-castel-froma to donate.
