Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse Specialist climbs Ben Nevis for charity

An outdoor adventure to climb the highest mountain in the British Isles has raised more than £100 for charity. 

Andy Hall, a Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse Specialist from Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) battled limited visibility and sub-zero temperatures to walk up Ben Nevis in support of the service he works for in south Lincolnshire.  

The £114 he raised will be donated to the South East Cardiac Rehabilitation Charitable Fund, part of an independent charity at LCHS which supports innovative projects and requests to enhance services and facilities that would not be generally funded by the NHS. 

The countywide Cardiac Rehabilitation Service provides education and exercise rehabilitation to those who have experienced a heart attack, heart surgery, or a procedure to return to a full and active life, while reducing the risk of further cardiac events. 

Andy, who works in the Boston and South Holland area, said: "My role promotes the importance of exercise in lifelong health and walking is a good form of cardiovascular exercise. It was a great opportunity for me to do this for a great cause. I felt a great sense of achievement, not only for me but also for the other members of the group as we had a mix of ages, fitness levels and walking experiences. It was also a relief that we completed it safely. 

"I'm told the views at the top are magnificent, but rain and a temperature at the summit of minus two degrees didn't allow for much sight-seeing."

Andy was joined on the challenge by family and friends and it took eight-and-a-half hours to complete.

He added: "I am very grateful to staff and patients for their generous donations which will enable our team to further enhance the quality of care that our patients experience."

This was not Andy's first fundraising challenge, having walked the Three Peaks for his service previously. He has exciting plans to continue with his training and fundraising, and aims to reach the summit of Scafell Pike next year.

For more information about LCHS Charitable Funds, visit www.lincolnshirecommunityhealthservices.nhs.uk/content/charitable-funds