Famous Five get set to run in London

Five determined Walsall NHS colleagues are taking on a half marathon to raise money to improve patients’ experience.

Vivian Brobbey-Sarpong, Reshma Jayakumar, Manoj Lakha and father and son Andy and Tolomey Tams will be taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 7 April after securing places via Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Well Wishers charity.

The event is the only half marathon to go through both Westminster and the City Centre.

The Walsall runners are looking for support to raise funds for the charity through sponsorship and their JustGiving page.

They said:

• Vivian Brobbey-Sarpong, Resourcing Lead – “I am looking forward to the marathon as I enjoy any type of running and find myself to be committed, focused and determined. This allows me to have a sense of fulfilment especially paired with raising funds in support of charities like Well Wishers who do a wonderful job.”
• Reshma Jayakumar, ESR Officer – “I am excited and proud to be representing Well Wishers to raise money for a good cause. I wanted to do this to motivate myself and others as well as raise awareness about the benefits of regular exercise and physical and mental wellbeing.”
• Manoj Lakha, Graphic Designer – “I feel a little nervous since I haven’t been running regularly for a while, but overall, I’m excited and motivated! I do my best to support the charity whenever I can. I enjoy being outdoors and keeping fit, so to do that whilst simultaneously helping towards a good cause, is a win-win for everybody.”
• Andy Tams, Undergraduate Medical Education Manager – “I feel pleased to have been selected for the marathon and glad to be supporting Well Wishers and all the amazing work they do within the Trust. I wanted a challenge, and my son thought it would be good for us to do it together. I will also be remembering the loss of colleagues and friends at the Trust; they are part of my motivation.”
• Tolomey Tams, Clinical Support Worker – “I am really excited to be taking part in the marathon. I like to get involved in a lot of things that support the charity such as the boxing event and Trust’s Got Talent so I’m looking forward to raising as much money as possible.”

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager said: “We are so excited for our colleagues to experience this iconic marathon and are incredibly grateful that they are fundraising for our charity. We will be rooting for them all the way.

“The money raised will help pay for things over and above what the NHS is able to provide and help provide the best experience possible for patients, service users and families.”

To make a donation, please go to the JustGiving website here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/walsallmanor