Walking the walk: Jane’s birthday challenge raises £2k for RD&E

Hospital volunteer Jane Morton has raised over £2,000 for the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity by walking 80 miles around the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital – one mile for every year of her life.

The Teign Valley resident and long-time meet and greet volunteer took on the challenge in support of the charity’s Super Theatre Appeal, which is raising £1.4 million towards specialist equipment for a new state-of-the-art operating theatre.

Jane walked daily loops of the RD&E for 10 consecutive days, speaking to patients, visitors, and staff about the fundraising effort, and collecting donations along the way. Each day’s walk took nearly four hours to complete.

She set off on 19 March and finished her final loop on 28 March – just in time for her 80th birthday, which she celebrates on 10 April.

“I’m delighted to have been able to raise so much for this wonderful charity,” said Jane, who volunteers at the hospital alongside husband Jon. “It’s an amazing amount of money and I’ve been overwhelmed by people’s generosity.”

The Super Theatre Appeal supports the build of a cutting-edge surgical theatre at the RD&E, which will allow surgeons to carry out complex procedures and diagnostic imaging at the same time. It is expected to reduce the need for open surgery, multiple operations, and long-distance travel.

Debbie Allen, community fundraiser at Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, said: “This new theatre will enable the RD&E to treat around 1,200 extra patients a year in Devon, reducing waiting times for everyone – including cancer patients.

“It will revolutionise the type of surgery the hospital can provide. We’re so grateful for Jane’s support, and would like to wish her a very happy 80th birthday.”

To find out more about the Super Theatre Appeal or to make a donation, click here.