A doctor has gone from being a self confessed couch potato to training daily to prepare for a 46-mile walk along the Norfolk coastal path to raise money for palliative care in the Fens.
. Along with his four year old Jack Russell Oscar, Dr Andrew Wordsworth is striding out on daily walks of up to six miles along with 32 mile bike rides up to three time a week to prepare for his charity challenge.
Dr Wordswoth, 51, who lives in March and is a senior partner at Trinity Surgery in Wisbech, has pledged to match fund donations up to £500 in a bid to encourage others to back his walk.
“My stamina is much improved and the dog is doing well from the long walks too,” he said.
“As a local GP and chair of the Wisbech local commissioning group, for a number of years I have been trying to improve palliative care services around the area.
“I know what excellent work local professionals are trying to do in end of life care, but this is underfunded and could work even better for patients.
“One thing holding up changes to the already over stretched service has been difficulty getting funds from NHS organisations to do the necessary building and renovation work at the North Cambs Hospital site.
“I want to lead by example by fundraising towards this. If there is wide public support for the project this will hopefully show the NHS there is a real local demand to fund improvements.
“I have a busy desk job that doesn’t leave much time for exercise.
“The marvellous March Slimming World group have helped over the years with my constant battle with obesity but making time for exercise has always been an issue.
“If I can find the time and motivation to do something like this it may also motivate others to do more exercise. Interestingly, since starting training I have more energy, get less tired and have more control over the eating.”
He is walking for Arthur Rank Hospice, which has taken over palliative care facilities locally.
His four day trek from Hunstanton to Cromer begins on May 16. Oscar will join him on the trail.
Dr Wordsworth said: “Having worked as a local GP since 1993 I have seen first hand the compassionate care offered by a variety of professionals in patient’s homes and at the North Cambs Hospital.
“Who knows maybe one day it might be you or a loved one that needs this support.”
To donate visit Just Giving
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