28 October 2011
Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals' very own St Hel’s Belles made a triumphant return from their sponsored fifteen-mile Chatsworth House hike, having raised more than double their target for the British Heart Foundation.
The team of cardiac nurses and support staff from the Trust’s cardiology unit armed themselves with an array of snacks (including Bakewell pudding, the local delicacy) to tackle fifty percent gradient hills, raising over £1,000 in the process. Kitted out in garish tutus, ribbons and sundry hair accessories, they proved a colourful contrast to the pastoral idyll of the Peak District.
Medical secretary Debra Nalden, who organised the troupe of Belles, said: "We trekked over heath land, through woods and even negotiated some streams. The Chatsworth House estate is beautiful but, unfortunately for us, not particularly flat.
"Just when energy levels were flagging we passed through a lovely little village and stocked up on some delicious home-made fudge, which helped push us over the finish line.
"After taking on the slopes and sheep dung, we had one or two well-earned cocktails that evening to celebrate. Still, the experience was a lot of fun – so much so that we've decided to make it an annual event for different charities.
Asked to describe the how the team felt at the end of the hike, Debra said: "We were elated, proud of our achievement – and very, very muddy."
