Hospital charity launches first virtual 50K challenge for Alder Hey MediCinema

All the money raised from the challenge will support Alder Hey’s MediCinema Appeal

Alder Hey Children’s Charity has launched a brand-new virtual challenge asking supporters to ‘move’ for 50km throughout the month of March.

“It all counts towards your goal!” says the charity.

It doesn’t matter whether you walk, run, cycle or swim – or do a combination of all four – as long as you’re on the go.

And it will all raise vital funds for the city’s pioneering children’s hospital.

Sarah Johnson, community fundraiser for Alder Hey Children’s Charity, says: “We are really pleased to have launched our first ever virtual challenge, the March 50K.

“It will involve participants moving for 50km throughout the month, and this can be however they would like, whether that’s walking, running, swimming, cycling… the possibilities are endless!

“It’s great to launch a virtual challenge because it means that anyone, regardless of their schedule or location, can take part and raise money for Alder Hey.”

As well as Liverpool City Region, Alder Hey supports children and young people from across the country: “So people can take part from wherever they lived or are based,” Sarah adds.

“And all those taking part can share their experiences via a dedicated Facebook group.”

More than 400 people have already joined the Facebook group and registered an interest, and the charity is hopeful many more will sign up.

Participants from one of Alder Hey Children Charity's previous born survivor events — Participants from one of Alder Hey Children Charity’s previous born survivor events

All the money raised from the challenge will support Alder Hey’s MediCinema Appeal, which is raising funds to support the installation and running costs of a state-of-the-art cinema in the children’s hospital.

The cinema will provide patients, along with their family and friends, the chance to escape from the worries of hospital life and give long-term patients the opportunity to experience an activity they’d otherwise miss out on while they are in hospital.

“The MediCinema is being built on-site here at Alder Hey, and it is estimated that it will be able to allow 3,000 patients every year to experience the magic of the movies, while still being able to receive the expert care that Alder Hey provides,” explains Sarah.

“We are hoping to raise as much money as possible from the March 50K Challenge, to allow as many children and young people to experience movie magic at Alder Hey.

“Those who take on the challenge will join our private Facebook event group and connect with likeminded individuals who are all set to support each other and raise those crucial funds for Alder Hey.

“And by bringing our wonderful community together in this way, we hope to raise an incredible amount for our appeal, while encouraging our supporters to get out, get moving and inspire each other along the way.”

Anyone interested in taking on the challenge, can go to Alder Children Children’s Charity’s Facebook page to register their interest and fill in the form to secure their place.