Story 12 August 2021

Making every step count

Each and every one of our amazing supporters has their own personal connection to King’s and their own story to tell.  Today, we hear from supporters who are making every step count at the Great Hospital Hike - a sponsored 17 mile walk from King's College Hospital in Denmark Hill to the Princess Royal University Hospital in Bromley.  

Jason is walking the Great Hospital Hike and fundraising for King's in memory of his dear friend, Ernie.  Ernie sadly lost his life at King's after battling cancer and a stroke.  

 

"I’m doing the Hike for two reasons really," says Jason.

 

"To help the NHS who go above and beyond the call of duty every day, and for my friend, Ernie."


 

"He was an absolute gem of a man - even though I only knew him for eight years.  He has a place in my heart forever."
Jason is walking in memory of Ernie

Tuten Ornutali will be walking the distance alongside members of her family as a way of thanking King's College Hospital for taking such good care of her grandmother, Tuten Mustafa.

 

"My beautiful grandmother battled and beat breast cancer exactly 6 years ago," says Tuten.

 

"Now, exactly 6 years later she has been diagnosed with triple negative stage 4 breast cancer. We believe that against all odds she will win this battle again!

 

"In light of this we have decided as a family to take part in this hike to raise money for the hospital as a thank you for giving our queen the best care.

 

"We will also be raising this money in the memory of family we have lost to cancer - our beloved aunties Baykan and Brenda, our beautiful cousin Gulden and our dearest Munever. 


 

"We as a family are so happy that we are able to help.  The care at King's has been phenomenal and we couldn’t ever repay the hospital."
It's a family affair for Tuten's Great Hospital Hike team!

Ms Guevara lives with COPD, Asthma and Bronchiectasis and is a familiar face at the King's Respiratory Department.

 

She is walking the 17 mile trek as a way of showing her gratitude to the wonderful King's Respiratory Team, who go the extra mile every day with their outstanding level of professionalism and dedication.

 

"Every nurse, every technician, every assistant is kind, full of patience and compassion in what they do for us. There is not enough words to thank them," says Ms Guevara.

 

"From my experience, Dr Irem Patel in the Respiratory Team, with her compassionate and intelligent approach, is redefining the healthcare system. We need more people like her.

 

"I am hearing impaired and Dr Patel and her secretary, Stuart, have given me the opportunity to use email as a means of communication, since I do not use phone calls.

 

"The King's staff that had attended me have always been kind, compassionate and professional.  And I mean every team, from the team that brings your meals, cleans the wards, and the medical team of nurses and physicians.


 

"I have been admitted in other London's hospitals but there are none like King's."