A Choral Forest 
Trio Taking on Tissington Trail to raise funds for renal unit
Mike Hart, his friend Bruce and Bruce’s daughter Bethany, are taking on the mighty challenge of walking the whole 28 miles and back of the Tissington Trail next week to support Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity.
The trio, who all live in Yoxall, Burton on Trent are walking the trail to raise funds for the charity, with every penny going to the renal unit at the Samuel Johnson hospital in Litchfield.
Mike was inspired to raise the funds after his wife, Louise, was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease 7 years ago. Mike explained that Louise unfortunately contracted sepsis which resulted in a downward spiral of her kidney function, requiring urgent action in 2023.
“We attended Nottingham Hospital to explore the possibility of a kidney donation from myself. At the end of comprehensive tests, I was identified as suitable for donation but not a compatible match. I agreed to enter the donor pool but, at the last minute I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which closed that door of treatment”, said Mike.
As a result, Louise was introduced to the small and friendly Samuel Johnson Community Hospital Renal Unit Team and started having dialysis in March of this year. “I was blown away with the care and compassion from the nursing team who strive to make the process as bearable as possible for Louise.
“It became apparent to us that the nurses had a desire to go above and beyond to give their patients a little bit more than dialysis, with an above and beyond attitude when treating their patients”, added Mike.
Jill Matthews, Chief Officer at the Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity, said “We are incredibly grateful to those individuals, like Mike, Bethany and Bruce, who take time out of their lives to take on these incredible challenges to fundraise for our charity, as a thank you for the exceptional care their loved ones receive in our hospitals. Every penny from their walk will go to the renal unit at The Samuel Johnson hospital in Litchfield which provides outpatient dialysis treatment 6 days per week. Donations from fundraising challenges make a huge difference to patients and we are truly grateful. The whole of the Derby & Burton Charity Team wishes Mike, Bruce and Bethany lots of luck for their walk.”
Mike explained that the positive attitude of the staff inspired him to try and help by raising funds. He said, “We discussed options and decided our knees were too old for a Snowdon climb or a marathon run! We did however agree to walk 28 miles up the Tissington Trail in Derbyshire and back again. We’ve asked relatives, friends and business associates to support us.
“We have currently raised £2,845 and hope to break the £3,000 barrier soon. We have been blown away with the generosity of our supporters and now we continue to prepare for this hike which to ensure we complete this challenge which will take place on 23rd June”.
If you wish to sponsor Mike, Bethany and Bruce, please visit their fundraising page at https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dialysisunit
We’d like to thank Louise, Mike, Bruce and Bethany for sharing their story.