Back in 2022, local fundraiser Naomi Skinner set off on an epic running challenge, starting at Greenwich Park in London with the finish line a staggering 1700km away in the picturesque Portuguese city of Lisbon as she aimed to raise funds to support the MTW Hospitals Charity and cancer services. Taking on the challenge after her father’s continued care at MTW for prostate cancer, Naomi’s mammoth fundraising effort included tricky terrains, border crossings, rising temperatures and living out of her backpack along the way. Unfortunately, Naomi also sustained an injury along the way which meant she needed to change her plans after crossing the Spanish-Portuguese border.
But fast forward two years, Naomi’s work has covered the cost of a bladder scanner for our Kent Oncology Centre and she recently visited colleagues on site to see the new equipment – nicknamed ‘The Road Runner’ – in action. We had to be quick, but we managed to catch up with Naomi for five minutes, to reflect on her work and the amazing difference it is making to our patients…
Tell us about the challenge and how you completed it
After seven weeks and 1400km of running, I entered Portugal and suddenly experienced excruciating pain in my shins, I had been struggling with injury in the previous few weeks but nothing compared to this. I knew that I instantly needed to end my challenge. I slept in a hostel for two nights, where the locals were really kind to me and helped me to organise trains and flights back to the UK.
Fast forward three months and I fly back to Vietnam for work. After continued rehab, I managed to complete my goal distance of 1700km, the difference being that it ended at home, at my flat in Saigon rather than in the centre of Lisbon. In total, I raised over £8,200 which has helped fund the cost of the new ‘Road Runner’ bladder scanner based in the Kent Oncology Centre at Maidstone Hospital.
What drives your motivation to fundraise for the Trust?
My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020 and the staff at the Kent Oncology Centre were brilliant. As well as physical care, he received kindness, practical support and felt a sense of community. I wanted to ensure that all men dealing with this diagnosis were given the same opportunity. Dad is now doing really well, he continues to go to support meetings and has check-ups at the hospital every three months
What would you say to those who donated and why would you encourage others to fundraise for local hospitals?
Simply thank you, you are helping to support so many men just like my dad. I would like to give a special shout out to Metastatic Prostate Cancer Nurse Specialist, Jeanette Smith who was incredible pre, during and post my charity run.
Fundraising changes lives, it’s as simple as that. The more people who donate, the bigger the impact we can have on those who need it. It might even take you on a little adventure too!
Do you have any further fundraising plans for the future?
I am now living and working in Valencia, Spain which is known as ‘The city of running’ and I have continued my love of running here and started a social run club that is inclusive to all. I’ve completed a variety of races in Valencia and around Spain, recently taking a huge amount of time off of my half marathon personal best and I would love to complete more long-distance challenges.
Our Head of Charity, Claire Ashby said: “We are so grateful to Naomi for all she has done for MTW Hospitals Charity undertaking this amazing challenge to support our Kent Oncology Centre. It is only through the support of our local community either taking on extraordinary challenges like this or simply donating to express their gratitude for the care received that we can make a real difference to life at MTW for all patients, visitors and staff.”