Nijmegen March with a difference for Fisher House fundraiser

 

WO2 Nicholas McKenzie is a dedicated fundraiser for Fisher House, the military home away from home at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Over the past decade, Nicholas has taken on the Nijmegen March, a 100 mile hike over four days, finishing in the Dutch town of Nijmegen.

This year, the march is not going ahead, but Nicholas is determined to not let that put a stop to his fundraising efforts. Nicholas will be taking on a 100 mile hike on the four days that Nijmegen was due to take place, 21 to 24 July, walking 25 miles each day around Shropshire.

On the final day of the challenge, Nicholas will be joining Natalie Queiroz as she completes the Saving Lives Challenge 2.0 by walking from RAF Cosford to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

Nicholas, who is the Logistics Manager for the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, said: “Sadly the Nijmegen March was not able to go ahead this year, but I wanted to take on a challenge to help to raise money for Fisher House.

“Fisher House has continued to be open to military patients and their families, and at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic it also housed NHS staff so that they could be close to the hospital. It is a wonderful cause and one that I’m proud to represent.

“I will be taking on the first three days of challenge on my own, and will be joined on the final day by members of the team who were due to take on the Nijmegen March alongside me, Captain Brent Carter, WO2 Leona John, SSgt Lance Cahill and LCpl Anthony Powel.”

Cathryn Worth, Fundraising Manager at University Hospitals Birmingham Charity, said: “On behalf of everyone at the Charity I would like to wish Nicholas the best of luck for his 100 mile walk! Having completed 10 Nijmegen Marches I have no doubt that he will be able to complete the challenge in style.

"The money that he will raise will help us to continue to provide a home from home for our military patients and their families here at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Fisher House is funded entirely through charitable donations, and fundraisers like Nicholas have been vital to keeping Fisher House running over the years.”

Since opening in 2013, Fisher House has provided on average of 4,500 nights of free accommodation to military patients and families every year. For £25 you can fund a night’s stay for one of our families.

Sponsor Nicholas in his fundraising efforts here.

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University Hospitals Birmingham Charity is a company limited by guarantee in England (No.10004003) and a charity registered in England and Wales (No.1165716).Registered Office: Fisher House, Mindelsohn Way, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, B15 2GN

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