The Sandals Foundation Island Challenge has successfully raised over £100,000, benefiting children’s healthcare in Saint Vincent.
- A team of 30 participants completed a demanding 70km challenge comprising running, kayaking, and hiking across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Funds raised are allocated to the paediatric unit of Saint Vincent’s Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.
- The event was organised by Karl Thompson and Graeme Saunders, showcasing solidarity and strength.
- Donations will fund a digital incubator for the hospital’s Neonatal Clinic.
In an impressive display of resilience and commitment, a group of 30 individuals partook in a 70km adventure encompassing running, kayaking, and hiking through the picturesque terrains of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This physically taxing endeavor was conducted to amass over £100,000, aimed at enhancing the paediatric facilities at Saint Vincent’s Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.
The Sandals Foundation Island Challenge, led by Karl Thompson and Graeme Saunders, unfolded over a span of four days, involving a 17km run on Bequia, followed by a 15km run and an 11km sea kayak on the second day. The third day entailed a 22km run, and the final day culminated in a five-hour uphill trek crossing the Wallibou River multiple times, underlining extreme endurance amidst challenging weather.
Proceeds from this venture are earmarked for the purchase of a digital incubator, ensuring crucial neonatal care at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. This initiative underscores a collaborative effort among participants from various regions, including the UK, Canada, the US, and the Caribbean.
Karl Thompson reflected on the challenge, describing it as more arduous than their previous achievement in Antigua, citing the steep terrains and Caribbean heat as formidable adversaries. “The difference these funds make to families in the region made every bit of the struggle worthwhile,” remarked Thompson, acknowledging the tough yet rewarding nature of the challenge.
Graeme Saunders echoed the sentiment, highlighting the extraordinary support from local and international bodies that facilitated the event’s success. The Sandals Foundation and tourism authorities played a pivotal role in the seamless execution of the challenge, exhibiting a true spirit of cooperation.
Operations director Karen Zacca attributed the event’s success to the collective commitment towards paediatric health. A particularly poignant aspect is the immediate impact of the donations, with the primary acquisition being a digital incubator for the neonatal clinic, symbolising hope and advanced medical intervention for newborns.
The Sandals Foundation Island Challenge stands as a testament to global solidarity and the impact of philanthropy on healthcare in the Caribbean.
