Former patient calls for supporters to ‘Escape from Bewdley’ for a good cause

On Bank Holiday Weekend at the end of May 2017, two intrepid fundraisers from Worcestershire will undertake a unique fundraising challenge to raise money for patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham as they attempt to ‘Escape from Bewdley’!

Justin Exley, 42, and Kayleigh Turner, 29, will embark on a two day adventure as they race to see how far away they can get from local town Bewdley in just 48 hours – but there’s a catch… The generous pair are upping the ante by pledging not to spend a penny on transportation, instead seeing how far they can hitchhike in the time period.

Their fabulous fundraising is all in aid of QEHB Charity, which supports patients and staff at Birmingham’s biggest hospital, the Queen Elizabeth. Justin and Kayleigh both have first-hand experience of the high standard of care provided at QEHB, and will split the money they raise from sponsorship and donations between Ward 408 (Trauma) and young people with cancer who receive treatment at the hospital.

Justin was admitted to QEHB in October 2015 for major reconstructive surgery on his left leg following a chronic infection, and spent six weeks in the hospital in total. It was this time spent in hospital that inspired him to raise funds to benefit patients like him. Kayleigh also has a personal connection to QEHB, after her cousin, Michael Trevor Ingenthron, was treated there for cancer in 2008 and sadly passed away in the same year.

Justin said: We want to raise as much money for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital as possible, for the trauma ward and for young people with cancer.”

Mike Hammond, Chief Executive at QEHB Charity, said: “This is a brilliantly inventive fundraising initiative and I can’t wait to see how far the winning team manages to get! The very best of luck to Justin, Kayleigh and all the other teams taking part in this challenge.”

To support Justin and Kayleigh, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Justin-Exley or for more information, join the Escape from Bewdley 2017 Facebook group here: www.facebook.com/groups/1229286350468242/