On the first weekend of July, runners, walkers and cyclists (and one dog!) took to the Grand Union Canal from Royal Brompton to Harefield to raise money for our two hospitals.

Over 160 participants, including former patients, braved the warm sunny climes to take on our flagship 26-mile challenge. Cheered on by volunteers along the route, they enjoyed samples of local craft beer kindly donated by Tring Brewery, Portobello Brewing Co. and Sambrook’s Brewery.

Among those taking part in our 12 and six-mile challenge were the Quainton Hall School Family Team who have done an incredible job supporting us the last few years.

Back for a third year, Harefield’s own ITU team also entered a team of runners, cyclists and marathon finishers. Working in an extremely busy hospital unit, Grand Canal Challenge provided a great opportunity to bond together as a team:

“Our unit is always extremely busy and we don’t get to spend a lot of time together out of work. Grand Canal Challenge is a great opportunity to spend some time together whilst being active.”

Over at Harefield, staff and volunteers were busily setting up our special Finishers’ Festival, where a delicious hog roast awaited participants as they crossed the finish line.

Thank you to all of our runners, walkers and cyclists for their fantastic fundraising and helping us to raise an incredible £30,000. 

Huge thanks also go to our sponsors KX Gym and Eleanor Hospital Logistics for their generous support.

See all of the pictures from the event below. Looking for your next fundraising challenge? Take a look at some of our upcoming events here.