Sports societies at the University of Sheffield are coming together to run, walk or cycle 5000 miles within the month to gain donations to help support the Sheffield’s Children Hospital.
The organiser, Abbie Hand from the Stunt Cheer society, is trying to get as many people involved as possible, having a personal goal of 100 miles this month.
Her past as a Disney princess mascot in children’s hospitals has made her aware of the harsh reality for the patients struggling, describing it as ‘such a horrible thing to see’.
She said: “They’re not getting out to live a normal kid’s life, and I think the money will really help do that.
“It’s a cause close to everyone’s hearts.”
Harvey Hodgson is Charity Secretary for the university’s American football team, the Sheffield Sabres, who are also taking part in the event. He described how he wants to give back to the young people of Sheffield.
He said: “Doing something for Sheffield is our top priority, the community has always given back to us and it’s time we do something big for them.”
The Sheffield Sabres have visited a number of schools around Sheffield, introducing students to a sport they may not recognise and giving them an opportunity to try something new they may enjoy.
He mentioned the importance of sports, saying: “Some kids sit in bed all day, wishing they could simply stand up; anything we can do to get them moving… it’s all we could want.
“We go out to volunteer at all these schools, we see how much happiness we bring to these kids through planned activities but it’s heart-breaking to know some kids will never get that”
The Children’s Hospital Charity helps provide the necessary funding for equipment, research and environment for the children that are stuck inside wanting to get out.
One of the current projects they are trying to fund is a helipad for the hospital. It is on track to be built this year with the help of the societies taking part and outside funding.
The charity says a helipad would not only save vital minutes for families waiting on emergency care, but would also give them a greater level of deserved privacy.