Following the success of the
Sandals Foundation Island Run - Antigua 2023, which raised £102,000, organisers have announced the 2024 race with ambitions to raise
another £100,000.
Taking place between 11-14 October 2024, participants will run, kayak and hike for 50 kilometres around the Caribbean island
of St Vincent.
The route will see participants run across hilly terrain, take a sea kayak and a hike to the summit of the country's active volcano, La Soufriere.
This year’s event will provide
vital funding for paediatric healthcare services and equipment at the Milton
Cato Memorial Hospital and other local healthcare facilities to improve the
outcome for children in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Milton Cato Memorial
Hospital (MCMH) is the main healthcare facility serving the entire population
of St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands. The 215-bed hospital offers diagnosis
and interventions from medical and surgical specialties and provides 24-hour
emergency service.
"I took part in the Sandals Foundation Island Run as I knew it was going to be a chance of life time and it absolutely was," explained Martin Balmer, 2023 Sandals Island Run participant and Northstar Meetings Group account director.
"Running that distance in the heat is a daunting prospect but knowing you're doing it for these amazing causes makes it all worthwhile. Anyone who is looking for an incredible adventure should sign up and join this event. Give your support, run with Sandals, enjoy the wonders of Saint Vincent and come back a changed person."
If you’re a keen adventurer and
want to take part, here’s everything you need to know:
- Fundraising: the Sandals foundation has set a fundraising target
of £100,000. Each participant is expected to raise £5,000 before the run
starts.
- Flights: Sandals will cover the flights for the runner. If the
runner wishes to bring a partner with them, they will just have to pay for the
flights for their partner.
- Accommodation: all-inclusive Sandals accommodation included for
the runner and partner.
- Fuel: all food and beverage required each day during the event
will be supplied for runners.
- Safety: full health and safety provided for the runner for the
duration of the event.
"It was such a special experience running around an incerdible island. It gives you the opportunity to make so many memories in an extremely challenging environment that pushes your body to its limits," explains Graeme Saunders, 2023 Island Runner and lead senior manager for groups and corporate at Sandals & Beaches Resorts. "You are running for such a worthwhile cause and actually get to see where the funds raised are going to support."
If you're intrested in taking part in the Sandals Foundation Island Run - St Vincent 2024, contact Graeme Saunders on [email protected]. Donations can be made here https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/islandchallenge2024
About the chosen charities:
The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) is the main healthcare facility serving the entire
population of St. Vincent and the Grenadine Islands. The 215-bed hospital
offers diagnosis and interventions from medical and surgical specialties and
provides 24-hour emergency service. The Paediatric Department at manages
neonates and children up to age 15 years on an inpatient and outpatient basis.
Annually, there are approximately 600-700 children admitted to the paediatric
ward, 140 babies to the NICU and approximately just over 1,000 admitted to the
maternity ward. The Sandals Foundation seeks to improve the outcomes of these
young patients. Funds raised from the Island Run - Saint Vincent 2024 will be
used to purchase equipment that will improve care for premature infants, in
particular those under 28-weeks gestation, who are at the highest risk for
morbidity and mortality.
Since 2013, the SickKids Caribbean
Initiative has been on a mission to improve the lives of children diagnosed
with paediatric cancer and blood disorders. By connecting Caribbean doctors and
nurses to each other and the world, together we are helping them make an even
bigger difference for those who need it the most. The collaboration with SCI,
the Sandals Foundation, and its partners was critical in establishing the
Eastern Caribbean's only oncology unit, as well as the development of seven
telemedicine facilities in six countries, the training of five Caribbean
paediatricians and 41 nurses in haematology and oncology, and the provision of
fellowship for the Eastern Caribbean's second Paediatric Oncologist, as well as
ongoing screening and data collection of children with sickle cell disease and
cancer.
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
