Stars of Channel 4 Documentary Geordie Hospital Reverend Captain Katie Watson and Nurse Specialist Sean Marshall-Kellie are swapping the hospital corridors for the great outdoors, as they take part in a challenging 12-hour Yorkshire Three Peaks climb to raise funds for Newcastle Hospitals Charity.
Katie Watson, a firm favourite amongst the cast of the documentary (along with canine companion, Poppy Jingles!), and Nurse Specialist Sean – who charmed patients with his Geordie charisma – will be heading to the Yorkshire Dales on Saturday 2nd July to complete a 24.5-mile hike of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – in just 12 hours.
Katie, Head of Chaplaincy at Newcastle Hospitals, is no stranger to a fitness challenge, having spent time in the army as well as regularly taking on marathons and ultra-runs. Sean is a passionate advocate of the mental wellbeing brought on by a good fitness regime, and often makes use of the hospital fitness centres.
The pair are taking on this new challenge in aid of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, the dedicated charity of Newcastle Hospitals. The charity works to raise funds and supports the staff, patients, visitors and wider communities of Newcastle Hospitals, going above and beyond what the core NHS can offer, from funding innovative research projects to cutting-edge surgical equipment.
Speaking of her support for the charity, Katie said: “I wanted to take on this challenge as Newcastle Hospitals Charity has supported the chaplaincy so much, from refurbishing the hospital’s St Luke’s Chapel after it was rebuilt, to the amazing grant that has allowed us to set up the Helping Hands programme, through which we are able to provide direct access welfare advice and support to hospital staff. The team have listened to our ideas and helped us to bring them to life for the good of all those we serve here at Newcastle Hospitals.”
Sean said: “I often go on hikes with friends (usually with my backpack full of treats), so the Yorkshire Three Peaks is not entirely out of my comfort zone but will certainly be a challenge. Thankfully I’ll have Captain (Katie) by my side (at the cost of a custard cream).”
He added: “I have been working with the charity through their Arts Programme to develop site-specific artwork at the Freeman Hospital. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with two North East based artists and create a welcoming, calm environment for hospital patients, staff and visitors. This has all been made possible with support from Newcastle Hospitals Charity.”
Teri Bayliss, Director of Newcastle Hospitals Charity said: “Katie is such a valuable member of the Newcastle Hospitals team and has touched so many lives with her warm and generous support. We are delighted that she has chosen to take on this challenge for Newcastle Hospitals Charity – and we just know she’ll be the first to the finish line!”
She added: “We’re also lucky enough to have recently worked first-hand with Sean on an exciting project via our Arts Programme, so we know that he’ll be a very welcome addition to the hiking team. He will certainly keep everyone’s spirits up! We are so grateful for his kind support.”
For those who would like to join Katie and Sean, there are limited spaces available on the challenge, which can be booked here.
Newcastle Hospitals Charity has supported the chaplaincy so much, from refurbishing the hospital’s St Luke’s Chapel after it was rebuilt, to the amazing grant that has allowed us to set up the Helping Hands programme, through which we are able to provide direct access welfare advice and support to hospital staff. The team have listened to our ideas and helped us to bring them to life…
Reverend Katie Watson Head of Chaplaincy, Newcastle Hospitals
