As part of our fundraising efforts in memory of our colleague and friend Claire Hodgson, the IGNIFI team got together to complete a 9-mile coastal walk on Sunday 17th September 2023.
In our latest blog, we share more about our ‘IGNIFI Walk for Claire’ and give an update on our fundraising progress to date for the Anthony Nolan charity.
From Sunderland to South Shields
The 9-mile ‘Walk for Claire’ route started at IGNIFI HQ in Sunderland City Centre. With many of us dressed in Anthony Nolan t-shirts plus all our four-legged friends on best behaviour, this was the perfect opportunity for a photo and to ensure everyone in the group knew the route we were taking to South Shields.
We then walked out of the city centre along the riverbank to the Sunderland seafront. At this point there was some debate about the route and certain members of the team taking (minor) short cuts to make it to the first regroup point first.
From the easy to navigate promenade, we then headed onto the coastal trail path for the longest stretch of the walk. After over an hour of walking and avoiding puddles, we made it to our next very scenic regroup point for a quick refreshment break prior to the final stretch of the walk.
The final section of the walk carried along the coastal path and to South Shields where we ended at Claire’s local pub. In total, we had over 60 participants , plus a number of four legged friends, join us for our ‘Walk for Claire’. Some of the group staying for the full 9-mile route, others joining us at points enroute or at the end. It was a privilege to share this day with Claire’s close family and friends and it was great to see some old IGNIFI faces join us too so we could share our memories of Claire and raise a toast to her.
We are thrilled to announce at the time of writing the collective fundraising total is now at £1,720.
This is a massive achievement; we are very grateful to everyone who has donated to the total as part of the ‘Walk for Claire’ and John’s Ullswater swimming challenge.
Laura Powell our Senior Medical Account Manager will be taking part in a 38-mile bike ride in October as part of our next IGNIFI fundraising challenge.
If you would like to donate and support the IGNIFI team with our fundraising, you can do so here:
Every day, Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with blood cancer or a blood disorder. The charity does this by matching incredible individuals willing to donate their stem cells to people who desperately need a lifesaving transplant. They also carry out cutting-edge scientific research, fund specialist post-transplant nurses and support patients and their families through the transplant process and beyond.
You can find out more information about the charity here .
Posted by Laura Smith
Digital Engagement Manager
