Bear Miles begins to help efforts to build new helipad!
A special anniversary challenge to support the fundraising to build a new helipad at Sheffield Children’s Hospital officially gets underway today (Tuesday 12th July).
To mark one year since the Bears of Sheffield sculpture trail, which raised over £1m for Sheffield Children’s, the new ‘Bear Miles’ challenge will run throughout July, August and September.
The fundraiser involves walking, running, swimming or cycling a mile a day for 30 days, to help reach a wider community target of 2,021 miles to celebrate the year of the Bear.
Cheryl Davidson, Project Manager for the Bears of Sheffield explained: “The fantastic amount raised by the Bears of Sheffield last summer has moved us one step closer to building our new helipad at Sheffield Children’s, but we need your help to finish the fundraising.
“That’s why today, to celebrate all we’ve already achieved and aid that effort, we are asking our community to step forward once again for our hospital.”
Participants can register for free or alternatively pay £15 to secure a limited-edition medal and plush bear at the end of the trail. The aim is to raise as much as you can to support Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
Those who raise £50 will receive a Bears-themed Magnet, Pencil Pot, Notepad and Notelet. Anyone who raises £100 will receive a Tote bag, Souvenir Guide and Keyring too.
The total raised from the challenge will support the appeal to build a new helipad. Currently, air ambulances land in Weston Park where trauma patients are then stretchered across a busy road under a police escort before entering the Emergency Department at Sheffield Children’s.
The new helipad will reduce the delays for patients who need urgent critical care from across South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.
Top of the fundraising leader board so far is 12-year-old Jack Cummings, who started the challenge early, and has raised more than £600. Jack and his mum Sarah began volunteering for The Children’s Hospital Charity during last summer’s Bears of Sheffield trail.
Mum Sarah explains: “We just love the thought of helping others and raising money for such a wonderful cause. From installing and deinstalling the Bears, to the Farewell at Meadowhall and the final auction, we were lucky enough to be involved at every stage of the trail.
“Jack wanted to raise some money himself and thought this would be the perfect opportunity, as we visited all the Bears of Sheffield last summer. We are really enjoying our walks each day.”
Jack adds: “I am really enjoying going for a walk each day with my mum. We have been to and are going to go to some nice places which I am looking forward to.
“I can’t believe it, I was very shocked to see how much I have got so far. I asked mum to put our target at £100 and I didn’t think I could get that much. I’m really happy to have raised so much.”
Project Manager Cheryl Davidson continues: “Jack and Sarah both volunteered throughout the Bears of Sheffield and what they did was nothing short of amazing.
“The Bears of Sheffield wouldn’t have been the project it was without volunteers like Jack and Sarah, so we are very grateful and thankful for all they did and continue to do to support Sheffield Children’s.
“It’s fantastic that Jack is going even further above and beyond by taking part in Bears Miles. He’s an inspiration, thank you Jack!”
To join Jack and sign up for Bear Miles, please click here.