This February half term, Leeds Hospitals Charity is encouraging the people of Leeds and Yorkshire to participate in a new event called Double Up.
The charity has launched the initiative in partnership with Active Leeds, with a simple ask for the public to double their usual exercise to raise funds for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust while getting healthier in the New Year. Following his bronze medal victory in Paris, Team GB gymnast Harry Hepworth from Leeds is ready to take on his next challenge and is backing Double Up, calling on the people of Leeds to get involved too.
We spoke to 21-year-old Harry about why he wanted to become an ambassador for the charity’s latest event, he said:
“I am thrilled to support Leeds Hospitals Charity as an ambassador for Double Up. Taking part in this event is great way for people to get fit while showing their support for our local hospitals. My mum has worked for the NHS for many years as a district nurse, so I appreciate the effort and hard work that goes into these jobs, and I’m proud to raise awareness of that.”
The event is open to all ages and abilities, from regular gym goers to complete beginners and you don’t have to take part in the gym, instead you could head outdoors and double the length of your adventure with family and friends. Participants are encouraged to share their fundraising efforts throughout the week on their social media and tag the charity to help raise awareness and donations.
The money raised through Double Up will help Leeds Hospitals Charity fund lifesaving equipment, treatments, research into rare diseases and home comforts at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Paula Guanaria, Head of Relationship at Leeds Hospitals Charity said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to Harry for becoming an ambassador and championing this event. This is a really easy challenge to get involved in and support your local NHS hospitals. It’s open to everyone, from individuals, to groups of friends and family and colleagues, all coming together to help us raise funds together to change health outcomes for the better. We hope many people across Leeds and the surrounding areas will get involved in Double Up!”
Leeds Hospitals Charity plays a pivotal role in supporting the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, one of the largest healthcare providers in the UK. This charity is dedicated to enhancing the experience and outcomes for patients by funding equipment, services, and research that fall outside the scope of NHS funding.
The charity’s mission is to ensure that staff, patients, and their families have access to the best facilities and care possible. Through fundraising and donations, Leeds Hospitals Charity provides critical support across various areas, including purchasing state-of-the-art medical equipment, investing in staff development, improving patient environments, and supporting groundbreaking medical research.
By supporting Leeds Hospitals Charity, the community can help ensure that the hospitals continue to provide exceptional care and remain at the cutting edge of medical practice and research, making a real difference in the lives of thousands of patients every year.
To take part, please visit www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk and fill out the form to receive your free virtual fundraising pack, and then simply set up your JustGiving page and start fundraising.
