As we gradually begin to ease out of a third lockdown, we would like to begin a series called Lockdown Lookback to thank again the many kind and thoughtful people in the local community who have supported our COVID19 appeal by taking on all manner of diverse and exciting challenges.
Trystan Barnett celebrated his 18th birthday last June by running his first ever full marathon.
As he had been in some training for a demanding Triathlon and Time-trialling season that all had to be cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Trystan decided to put the training to some use by taking on what was still a huge challenge for him.
While perhaps not new to running he had never before run this kind of distance and so the training for a marathon only began four weeks prior to the race itself.
He took in a lap of Northampton General Hospital as part of the route around the town, accompanied by a Police escort along the way and lots of encouragement from family and friends cheering him on.
He finished in 3 hours and 40 minutes - what an incredible achievement!
Thank you so much to Trystan for raising over £3,500 to support our local NHS teams at Northampton General and across the community and mental health hospitals and services under Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust.
Such an incredible amount raised went towards funding things like gym equipment for mental health patients at Berrywood Hospital; nightwear, toiletries and activities for patients on wards at Northampton General; and portable radios and DVD players for patients on Esther White ward.
Fundraising like this during the first lockdown really helped to make a huge difference at such a difficult time for everyone.
We are grateful to all of you who have donated or raised funds for Northamptonshire Health Charity.
If you’d like to get involved, check out our 5 steps to virtual fundraising.