Jamie and four of his fellow firefighters are walking from their station in Rotherham to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield as part of Sheffield Hospitals Charity 62-miles challenge in October.
Jamie was in a motorbike accident that led to him needing to have his knee completely rebuilt. He was told he may never walk again before being transferred to the Northern General Hospital where five operations later, he stood up and hasn’t looked back since.
Matt Jordan, Callum Mountain, Paul Marshall, Addison Stores, and Jamie Hartnell are walking from Dearne Community Fire Station, through to Rotherham Centre, past the Magna and Meadowhall, to Sheffield City Centre and then finishing at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. They are hoping to complete the journey in six hours and will be in their full firefighter attire, even using their breathing apparatus in certain areas.
Jamie, firefighter and 62-mile challenge fundraiser, said:
“When my surgeon said I wouldn’t walk again, I was devastated. After that final surgery, there came a point where I put my legs out, and just stood up in front of them. I had to. Two years later I became a firefighter. They got me where I am now and I’m so grateful.
My Nan received end of life care at the Northern General Hospital and two of my children were born 13 and 10 weeks early and were cared for on the Jessop Wing. My family are so grateful to Sheffield’s NHS and this 62-mile challenge seemed like the perfect opportunity to give back.”
Freya Kingswood, Community & Events Fundraising Manager for Sheffield Hospitals Charity, said:
“I was blown away to hear Jamie's story when we first met and to see him now fundraising for Sheffield Hospitals Charity in this way is truly inspiring! Thanks to supporters like Jamie, we can really make a difference to patients, their families, and NHS staff and we can't thank him and the team enough!
There is still time to join Jamie and many others on our 62 miles in October challenge. By signing up to take on 2 miles every day in October, every step you take will help us to continue supporting Sheffield’s NHS.”
To join Sheffield Hospitals Charity 62-mile challenge this October, visit their website page here.
Published: Friday 27th of September 2024