VETERANS and serving members of The Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM) took on a 24-endurance fundraising challenge.
To commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women personnel put their rowing and running skills to the test in aid of Fisher House ahead of Armistice Day (November 11).
Fisher House is the home away from home for military patients and their families, based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
The 18-bedroom purpose-built building is located within walking distance of the hospital. The house officially opened its doors in June 2013 by King Charles while he was The Prince of Wales.
Lt Col Mark Davies, chief of Staff at the RCDM at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, said: “We take part in fundraising activities throughout the year for the Charity, which we have a close relationship with as its military ‘Home away from Home’ supports hundreds of injured personnel and their families that we treat at the QE every year.
“It’s especially poignant at this time of year as we mark remembrance. It’s vitally important we continue to remember our comrades who are serving and those in our care as well as those that have gone before us.”
Military personnel can be stationed anywhere across the UK and the world and their families may also live miles from Birmingham, yet they find themselves at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital whilst their loved one is cared for.
At Fisher House, families can stay in a secure and supportive environment for as long as they need without any charge.
This eliminates the stress of finding somewhere to stay, financial strains as well as the pressures of travelling back and forth to the hospital.
The house is entirely charity funded and relies solely on donations to keep this incredible facility running, year after year.
The house is managed by Patrick, Julie and Phil who are always on hand to lend a supportive ear and since 2013.
Over the years the team have welcomed almost 8,000 families through the front door, providing more than 40,000 nights of accommodation. Whilst families are staying at Fisher House, they also have access to welfare services for further support and guidance.
Director of Fundraising, Charlotte Schofield said, “It’s really important that we have the support from RCDM through their fundraising activities raising money for Fisher House as they know how vital our Home away from Home can be for our injured personnel and their families.
“It costs £40 a night for a family to stay at Fisher House which is solely funded by donations, so without support from our amazing donors, like RCDM, we wouldn’t be able to keep Fisher House open for our serving military and veterans, and their families when they need us most.”
For more or to donate click here.
