Angela Musson, from North Hykeham, Lincoln, has signed up for the Wolds Walk on Saturday 16 May to raise funds for Lincolnshire’s hospitals.
Angela works as a Healthcare Support Worker at Witham Court, North Hykeham, a hospital specialising in caring for people with mental health conditions and dementia.
She says supporting patients on their road to recovery is one of the most rewarding parts of her role. She said:
“When you see someone go home, who has been so sad and didn’t want to get up in a morning when they first arrived at the hospital – it is so special.”
Angela supports her patients with daily living – helping people to wash, dress and manage those simple tasks that they are unable to do when they first arrive at Witham Court.
“We use a lot of physiotherapy and occupational therapy to help our patients on their road to recovery. The aim is for them to be able to look after themselves so they can return home.”
Patients may be referred between mental health services and any of Lincolnshire’s four main hospitals in Lincoln, Boston, Grantham or Louth, at any point during their inpatient stay. Angela is full of admiration for her NHS colleagues and is proud to continue delivering the same high standard of care as patients transition into their new surroundings. She values the vital role United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity plays in providing extra equipment and services to enhance patient care across hospitals in the county.
She also sees first-hand the positive impact walking can have on mental health.
“Walking provides the best of both worlds,” she added. “It provides physical benefits of exercise while also boosting emotional well-being, which is one of the reasons I wanted to join the Wolds Walk.”
This year, the Wolds Walk is celebrating 50 years of the Viking Way and its new ten-mile hike winds its way past ancient woodlands, hilltop farmlands and picture postcard villages, taking in some of the most spectacular views to be found on the county’s long-distance path.
Charity Manager, Ben Petts is delighted to see the walk return and said: “This is a great opportunity to explore the beauty of this special part of Lincolnshire. With Richard Fish Outdoor Adventures guiding us along the way, there is plenty of opportunity to discover the history and landscapes of The Wolds whilst raising vital funds for the county’s hospitals.”
Angela sums up what completing the walk will mean to her: “At the end, I will know that every step I have taken has helped raise money to give back to the hospitals who care for my patients, ensuring that we can continue to strive to provide the best care possible across our hospitals.
In addition to the registration fee, walkers are also asked to raise sponsorship in aid of the charity. More information is available on the website – www.ulhcharity.org.uk/woldswalk