What’s the most demanding thing you’ll do this year? Neurology and Neuromuscular Pathway Coordinator Clare Rider, has decided to take on a challenge for the Alder Hey Children’s Charity after working with many families who face life-changing challenges.
Clare has been part of the Alder Hey family for eight years. Part of her job is to ensure the patient’s pathway is planned and to support the consultants working in her team. Clare is the first point of contact for patients and their families, many of who have life-limiting and complex conditions. After speaking to the families who are battling through difficulties, Clare was inspired to face her own challenge.
Clare explains: “I have great admiration for the brave patients and I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to many of them since their first trip to the clinic. I thought this would be my opportunity to promote the charity which supports patients under Alder Hey’s care. To help raise money I’ve signed up to take part in a trek across the Grand Canyon. It’s going to involve trekking 3,100 feet over five days camping into the very heart of the Grand Canyon.
“When our consultants give a diagnosis, the multidisciplinary team will work together to ensure families are given a clear pathway and have as much information as possible to help answer their questions. A child’s health can affect the whole family and I admire seeing them working together through their challenges.”
Armed with the desire to get involved, Clare opted for the Grand Canyon because she loves the outdoors and she already has an interest in keeping fit and healthy. Training has well and truly begun too, as Clare explains: “Those involved with the trek have met as a group so we can help support each other. We’ve got treks planned up Moel Famau, Snowdonia and regular trips to the gym.
“I have a fundraising total to reach before the trip later this year. Local companies are showing their support by offering a prize towards my fundraising night and I’m practicing my baking skills so I can sell lots of delicious cakes at work! Colleagues, friends and family are already helping through my Justgiving donation page.
“I see staff going above and beyond for their patients on a regular basis. I’m proud to be a part of a fantastic team at Alder Hey; everyone plays a part in a child’s care whether you’re the person welcoming a family to the clinic, the friendly empathic person at the end of the telephone, the consultant giving their expert advice or the domestic stopping to check on a family.
I know I’m only one person, but it’s my opportunity to give back to Alder Hey and the vital service provided for thousands of children each year. I hope my challenge will encourage others to sign up to something just as exciting.”
If you'd like to join Clare and trek the Grand Canyon this October, we still have limited places. If cycling is more your thing, our 2017 overseas challenge is biking 400km from Vietnam to Cambodia!