Woman marks 60th birthday by walking 60 miles for Black Country hospital
A woman is celebrating her 60th birthday by walking 60 miles for a Black Country hospital.
Ann Smith, 59, of Wombourne, will be walking around her house and the village to complete the challenge.
It will be an extra hard task for Ms Smith as she struggles with her balance due to a medical condition.
She is raising money for the accident and emergency department at Russells Hall Hospital, in Dudley.
Ms Smith set an original fundraising target of £150 but she has raised more than four time that - totalling £645 so far.
Ms Smith began her walking challenge on April 17 and will complete the task on May 24.
Her birthday is on May 26, and she is hoping to rest by then.
She said: "Years ago they [Russells Hall Hospital] looked after my mom and dad.
"I have spent quite a few hours at Russells Hall over the years.
"Obviously considering the present circumstances, I wanted to raise money as well for the NHS."
The challenge is also to help nurses and doctors who are battling on the coronavirus frontline at hospitals.
Difference
Ms Smith also wants the cash to help the revamp of Russells Hall's A&E department.
In December, a bid of £20.3million was made by the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, for the revamp.
It was part of a £2.9 billion funding package for the NHS as a whole.
She added: "There is an ever-expanding demand on emergency services across the country.
"As a result our hospital has been awarded a £20m improvement grant to radically redesign our emergency department.
"This is a great chance to get involved at this early stage to ensure we make the improvements and changes that will make a difference."
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Ann-Smith39
