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Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. This year, as a trustee of supporting Healthcare Heroes UK (SHH-UK), I am walking from Porto in Portugal to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, some 300km over 11 days.
I'm doing this because 'claps on Thursdays' didn't stop healthcare workers from getting COVID; it didn't stop those who then developed Long-Covid becoming seriously debilitated or losing their livelihoods.
Long-COVID is not recognised as an occupational disease in the UK; therefore, it does not get the same benefits as other work-related diseases. A recent study estimates that up to 30% of healthcare staff in hospitals and communities where ambulance drivers, district nurses, midwives and therapists work are still being exposed.
A lack of staffing seriously strains all healthcare professionals. Long-COVID is adding to this; even today, in 2025, there are currently anywhere between 1,300-2,000 patients in acute hospitals with COVID. This means all healthcare staff, patients, and relatives are exposed, and anyone could develop Long-Covid.
SHH-UK is the only UK-wide dedicated Charity for healthcare workers that supports them in prevention, campaigning for better air quality, and financial assistance. We walk shoulder to shoulder with our healthcare colleagues to reduce the risks of this endemic disease.
Anything you give helps us in our mission, and I look forward to walking this for all our heroes. I'm aiming high, but so are our aspirations to help those suffering today. Every £1 helps!
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