Stroke sufferer to tackle 5K Portsmouth Hospitals Charity’s WardWalk in memory of brother

Sally-Anne Gates will be joined by hundreds of others for Portsmouth Hospitals Charity WardWalk this weekend.

She will be taking on the route at Staunton Country Park on the walking frame on wheels she uses following a stroke she had in 2018 but is determined to complete the challenge in memory of her brother Alan Bignall.

Sally-Anne said: ‘I want to take part in the WardWalk and raise money for the Renal Department to not only say thank you for the amazing care that they provided for my brother but to say thank you for looking after our family as well.’

Known to his friends and family as ‘Tosh’, Alan was a regular patient of Renal Department at Queen Alexandra as he needed kidney dialysis for most of his adult life.

He was well-known amongst staff members who cared for him until he died in March 2016.

Sally-Anne added: ‘I also want to show everyone that even though I have had a stroke, I am still determined to take part in this event.’

The WardWalk aims to raise money for the wards and departments within Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust including Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham.

Charity fundraising manager Victoria Greenshields said: ‘Each year we have many people take part in the WardWalk, each with their own personal reasons for wanting to fundraise for a ward or department close to their heart.

‘Having heard Sally-Anne’s story and determination to complete the 5k route is a real inspiration. We will certainly be cheering her on the whole way.’

If you would like to join Sally-Anne on the Portsmouth Hospitals Charity WardWalk and raise money for a ward or department of your choice, please contact Portsmouth Hospitals Charity on 02392 286000 ext: 5927 or visit: www.porthosp.nhs.uk/charity