Following the success of the inaugural Sandals Foundation Island Run - Antigua 2023, the Island Challenge - Saint Vincent 2024 aims to raise £100,000 for the provision of life-saving equipment for paediatric health facilities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Access to the right equipment, facilities and resources can significantly improve a country's ability to provide the proper medical attention to its people, especially its children. This year’s event will provide vital funding for paediatric healthcare services including essential new equipment for the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Saint Vincent.

The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) is the main healthcare facility serving the entire population of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The 215-bed hospital offers diagnosis and interventions from medical and surgical specialties and provides 24-hour emergency service. The Paediatric Department at manages neonates and children up to age 15 years on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Annually, there are approximately 600-700 children admitted to the paediatric ward, 140 babies to the NICU and approximately just over 1,000 admitted to the maternity ward. The Sandals Foundation seeks to improve the outcomes of these young patients. Funds raised from the Island Challenge - Saint Vincent 2024 will be used to purchase equipment that will improve care for premature infants, in particular those under 28-weeks’ gestation, who are at the highest risk for morbidity and mortality.

A portion of the money raised will also go towards supporting the hurricane relief mission in the Southern Grenadine islands. Staying true to the focus of the Island Challenge, funds will be used to support healthcare facilities that have been impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

The Island Challenge - Saint Vincent 2024 will cover a 50-mile distance and will include hill running, sea kayaking and hiking to the summit of the country's active volcano, La Soufriere. The event is kindly supported by sponsors including our airline partner, Virgin Atlantic.

Please join us today in making a difference! Thank you for your support.