Bay Vets in the Community (Part 2)

On the 27^th of April, 15 of our team members congregated at our Milnthorpe surgery bright and early to embark on a journey which would take them to all Bay Vets branches, covering marathon distance: 26.9 miles.

The reason for the mission was to raise funds for The Oliver King Foundation. Funds raised would be used to install a defibrillator at our Morecambe branch that the whole community can access.

The Oliver King Foundation was set up in 2012 in order to raise awareness, funds and provide training in defibrillator access and first aid. Funds raised have placed 5,900 defibrillators in schools and organisations around the country and have provided training for over 135,000 staff. 12-year-old Oliver King tragically died during a swimming race at school due to Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome. The foundation wishes to increase access to defibrillators and training around the country to help save lives such as Oliver’s.

With the worthy cause in mind, the walk began.

17.6 miles were covered in reaching the Morecambe branch, where more team members joined the mission.

Blisters were already beginning but the smiles never faded, and after a brief refreshment stop, it was onwards to Lancaster.

A further 3.9 miles were accrued, and yet more team members joined here!

Three of the four sections were complete and the first aid kit had been out multiple times for the plasters and paracetamol. Energy levels were depleting but encouragment from fresh faces and the promise of a buffet and accomplishment so soon, evryone rallied and morale remained high. Cakes and other snacks as well as drinks at Lancaster gave the boost required and the final 5.3 miles to Caton began.

Nearly 12 hours after setting off… the team limped into Caton!

Smiles were still a-plenty and knowing what had been achieved created a happy atmosphere and positive buzz.

9 hours of moving time and all those miles ended with a team buffet at a local pub, organised and provided by the management team. Everyone was so grateful and were united in the goal for the Oliver King Foundation.

More information on the charity and donations can be made here: https://theoliverkingfoundation.co.uk/about-us/

As of 2^nd of May 2024, the Crowdfunder page is still active too, and donations are still be accepted: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/247-defibrillator-at-morecambe-bay-vets

£930 has already been raised of the £1200. Anything over the defibrillator cost will be donated to the Oliver King Foundation to aid their mission.