Athletes raise over £100,000 for local Paediatric Health Care

The Sandals Foundation Island Challenge has surpassed all expectations, raising £100,000, to fund vital paediatric healthcare services at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and paediatric health programmes in the southern Grenadines.

The four-day challenge, held in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, and Team Athletics SVG brought together over 30 athletes from the UK and SVG to take on an unforgettable test of endurance, a release from Sandals states. Participants traversed scenic routes, running and kayaking over 70 kilometers through the stunning island landscapes—all united for a single cause.

“We witnessed an inspiring show of strength and solidarity as athletes from both the UK and St Vincent and the Grenadines came together for this meaningful cause,” said operations director of the Sandals Foundation, Karen Zacca.

“The challenge went beyond physical endurance; it was a shared mission to bring hope to children in need of advanced medical care,” she is quoted as saying.

“ What we saw was a true coming together of people who care about the same thing—paediatric health…” in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and support for the neonatal clinic at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. “The first purchase will be a digital incubator, ensuring that newborns receive the critical care they need from the very start.”

The Island Challenge 2024 kicked off on Friday, October 11, 2024, with a scenic 17-plus kilometer run starting from the turtle sanctuary area and winding through the lush terrain of Bequia. Athletes navigated a challenging path that took them through Port Elizabeth, up hills, and through the vibrant landscapes of La Pompe and St. Hillaire, culminating at the J.F Mitchel Airport.

On day two, participants tackled a gruelling 15-kilometer run from the northern entrance of Sandals Resort, winding through the coastal roads of Buccament, Layou, and Barrouallie, through picturesque villages before finishing on the beach in Wallilabou where they then paddled 11 kilometers back to Sandals, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

On the third day, participants faced another intense 22-kilometer run starting from the Diamond Industrial Estate, travelling along the Windward Highway, and finishing at Sandals Resort in Buccament.

The final leg on Monday, October 14, 2024, involved a demanding hike of over 7-kilometers through the Wallilabou River to Trinity Falls.

This symbolic final journey signified not only the culmination of the physical challenge, but also the success of their mission to raise funds for children’s healthcare, the release adds.

UK athlete and social media influencer, Zoe Rae, expressing excitement about the challenge said, “this is our fourth day of lots and lots of miles, but this was a real high to end on knowing that we raised the money for a worthy cause”.

Her partner, Danny Rae, echoed her sentiments. “We had the opportunity to visit the hospital and see the paediatric ward before the challenge, and that’s what gave us the motivation to keep pushing. It’s been hard work, but that’s what charity is about. These four days have been an incredible experience.”

Local athlete, Malakye Nero from the Xceed Sports Club, said familiarity with the terrain provided a unique perspective.

“Running these routes felt natural, but the real challenge was knowing what we were running for. The cause kept me focused, and it was a privilege to contribute to something so important for our community.”