Charitable challenge raises funds and students’ spirits

Nuffield Health Tees Hospital launched the OnePointOne Challenge after learning of ex SAS soldier, Derek Gamblin’s fundraiser that raised over £4,300.

Derek’s challenge was to cycle 1,100km, unsupported from Mount Vesuvio to Mount Etna in support of Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind earlier this year. Derek achieved over 750km, but had to withdraw due to a serious neck injury.

Based upon the distance Derek aimed to cycle, 1,100km, Nuffield Health Tees Hospital staff, their family members and friends decided to create and take part in the OnePointOne Challenge. The team wanted to help Derek reach his target distance, whilst being as inclusive as possible, so asked participants to come up with an activity of their choice which incorporated 1.1 or 11.

Many took part and completed activities such as a 11 mile walk, 110 bounces on a trampoline, 11 ball throws and fetches with their dog and 11 exercises completed 11 times. The hospital was able to raise an additional £500 due to their efforts. As participants were actively sharing their activities, it wasn’t long before word of the OnePointOne Challenge and Derek’s fundraiser travelled across the North East.

Students at Durham School were keen to get involved and with guidance from former student and Nuffield Health Tees Hospital’s sales and services manager, Ross Huntley, pupils including those in Ross’ old school house, Poole House, launched their own OnePointOne Challenge in aid of the same cause, raising over £5,300 and an additional £1,000 via Gift Aid.

Mr Huntley said: “Pupils, staff, family, and friends of Durham School have been involved in a wide range of challenges that test their physical fitness, photography skills, and musical ability. One student managed to raise £700 himself through setting up a car wash. We’ve been really impressed by their creativity and the awareness they’ve created.

“When we heard about Derek’s cycling challenge, we knew we wanted to do something to support, but Covid-19 made organising a mass event or participation pretty much impossible. The OnePointOne Challenge gave us a way to fundraise without having to worry about the logistics and gave staff something non-Covid to focus on.

“Students at Durham School would normally be involved in competitive sports events such as rugby matches with neighbouring teams and sadly this year most events were cancelled or suspended. Understandably the cancellation of such events may have brought spirits down. It was fantastic to see the OnePointOne Challenge lifting spirits and even creating some friendly competitiveness amongst pupils.”

Richard Boyle, Poole Housemaster at Durham School, took part in his own challenge with Zombie his Rhodesian Ridgeback, they walked 11km for 11 days.

Mr Boyle said: “Our OnePointOne Challenge involved a lot of kindness from both our boys and the amazing community who have supported us. The challenge created an opportunity for our students to take control and be responsible in order to make things happen. It also required them to have moral integrity in the completing of challenges. The charity we’re supporting is so important, the pandemic is having such an effect on so many people and it is vital that we all show one another support and kindness, whilst remaining alert to those who may be struggling.”

Lorna Routledge, at Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind said: “Between Derek, Nuffield Health Tees Hospital and Durham school, they’re making a huge contribution that will allow us to deliver that project again, at a time when our services have never been more needed. You’re all heroes.”