GB Paralympian and Strictly star gets behind QVH Charity challenge

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that the smallest things can make the biggest impact. And that’s why QVH Charity is joining this year’s 5K May challenge and wants you to join in too.

The 5K May challenge was founded by Run for Heroes during the first lockdown, where people were encouraged to Run 5, Donate 5, Nominate 5. It was so popular it’s back for 2021.

With the help of its supporter Will Bayley MBE, QVH Charity wants to encourage its supporters and the local community to grab their trainers and take part in this challenge which will run throughout May. Money raised by QVH Charity helps support Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, which provides life-changing reconstructive surgery, burns care and rehabilitation services for people across the South of England.

Everyone is invited to take part and it’s all about having fun and hitting your 5km target, perhaps getting fitter along the way. It’s not just about running though – you could walk, skip or even swim your 5km if you wish!

You can take part on your own or as a group, donate your £5 to QVH Charity, then nominate 5 friends or family members to complete their own 5km challenge.

GB Paralympian and BBC ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ contestant Will Bayley MBE is no stranger to taking on challenges. He won a silver medal in the London 2012 Paralympics, a Gold medal in Rio in 2016 as well as more recently winning the heart of the nation for his dancing on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ on BBC in 2019. Currently in training for the next Paralympics, he has taken time out to get behind QVH Charity for this fundraiser.

Will said, “I am proud to be supporting this local NHS charity for 5K May this year. Queen Victoria Hospital is an incredible specialist hospital caring for people from across the South East when they need it most. I am really excited to be supporting the patients and staff by getting involved in this initiative. Get behind this amazing hospital charity and get out there and run, walk, swim or jump your 5K and donate your £5 to QVH Charity once you’ve completed your challenge. Your donations will help make a huge difference to your local hospital. Set your challenge today and get involved!”

Click here to visit QVH Charity’s fundraising page.

The funds raised will go to supporting vital initiatives at Queen Victoria Hospital such as medical equipment, research as well as supporting staff initiatives.

To find out more about QVH Charity click here.

For more information please contact the QVH Press Office at qvh.communications@nhs.net