Can we count on you to take part in the #CaptainTom100 challenge for our Well Wishers charity?

London Marathon Events has launched the Captain Tom 100 which is challenge based around the number 100 to honour the late fundraiser’s milestone birthday that he celebrated last year.

The challenge could be walking 100 steps, running 100 metres, scoring 100 goals, baking 100 cakes, climbing 100 stairs, hopping 100 laps of the garden, building 100 sandcastles – anything at all, inside or outside.

You can do your challenge any time and anywhere over Captain Tom’s birthday weekend which takes place from Friday 30 April to Monday 3 May which would have been his 101^st birthday.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust Fundraising Manager, Georgie Westley, said:

“Captain Tom was 100 years old when he raised almost £33m for NHS charities by walking laps in his garden so it seems like a fitting challenge to do in his honour and help raise money ourselves.

“I think it’s great that anyone can do this challenge and take part. After all Captain Tom was someone who made such a big impact during the pandemic – let’s be #WalsallandProud and really go for it!

“I just want to remind everyone that because of Captain Sir Tom our trust charity has been able to do so much. What better way to say thank you.”

Well Wishers has been able to fund the following:

1. Wheelchairs - The first sum to benefit the trust was used to purchase 20 much-needed wheelchairs for the main atrium. So many staff and volunteers have been in the unfortunate situation of trying to locate a wheelchair for poorly patients, or someone struggling with mobility issues and we know this causes great anxiety to all. These wheelchairs have helped greatly to resolve this issue and now both staff and patients feel more confident knowing these are easily accessible.
   
   
2. Fundraising Hub - The second sum will be used to refurbish the Fundraising Hub in the main atrium which is a real boost for Well Wishers as this area has finally given the charity a home and a proper base for all of its work. Prior to the pandemic Well Wishers was generating funds of around £4,000 each month through book sales and events – and teams across the hospital and community have been able to use this money for the benefit of our patients and their families.

3. Chapel refurbishment - A third and final bid will be used to refurbish our Chapel. This project has been discussed for over 18 months as the current facilities are inadequate, old-fashioned and uninviting for a place that holds services, private prayer time, group prayers and weddings and blessings. The revamp will create a private prayer/counselling room, a more modern worship area, window coverings and hopefully new flooring, a new ceiling and decoration.  The bid requested that the funding was used for a multi-cultural project that benefited patients, visitors, staff and volunteers with particular consideration shown to our BAME community.

4. BCWB STP - Walsall Healthcare through Well Wishers has also been successful in a joint bid with Black Country & West Birmingham Sustainability Transformation Partnership and money received is being used to tackle health inequalities with Walsall Together taking the lead on this borough-wide work.

To carry on fundraising in Captain Tom’s memory and help our Well Wishers charity raise money for things over and above what the NHS is able to provide please do your 100 challenge your way! And make sure you let Georgie know your plans and share your photos – contact Georgie on 01922 656643 or Georgie.westley@walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk.

Please donate to the Well Wishers Covid-19 fund here.