Sandals Foundation Island Challenge raises funds for Falmouth Hospital
Key Points(5)
- The Sandals Foundation’s Island Challenge Jamaica got underway Friday, October 2, bringing together about 30 participants from the United Kingdom for a four-day endurance and fundraising event along Jamaica’s north coast.
- The challenge, being held in Jamaica for the first time, aims to raise £100,000 to purchase medical equipment and strengthen paediatric and neonatal services at Falmouth Public General Hospital in Trelawny.
- The event is in its fourth year, having previously been held in Antigua and Barbuda, St.
- Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia.
- The opening day saw participants complete a 10-kilometre run from Rio Nuevo Fishing Beach in St.
The Sandals Foundation’s Island Challenge Jamaica got underway Friday, October 2, bringing together about 30 participants from the United Kingdom for a four-day endurance and fundraising event along Jamaica’s north coast.
The challenge, being held in Jamaica for the first time, aims to raise £100,000 to purchase medical equipment and strengthen paediatric and neonatal services at Falmouth Public General Hospital in Trelawny.
The event is in its fourth year, having previously been held in Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Lucia.
The opening day saw participants complete a 10-kilometre run from Rio Nuevo Fishing Beach in St. Mary to the Sandals Ochi Beach Club, followed by a five-kilometre kayak route through the White River Fish Sanctuary.
On Saturday, October 3, participants climbed Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios before undertaking a 10-kilometre rainforest trek and taking part in a tree-planting exercise in the Bogue II Forest.
The third leg of the challenge moved to Falmouth on Sunday, October 4, where the group was joined by 13 local participants for a 21-kilometre half-marathon.
The route passed through the historic Georgian town, including the beneficiary Falmouth Public General Hospital and the community of Hague, before ending at Good Hope waterfall.
The challenge concluded Monday, October 5, in St. Andrew, with participants taking part in a military-style endurance test in Newcastle before completing part of a hike through the Blue Mountains, reaching elevations of about 4,500 feet above sea level.
Sandals Foundation Executive Director Heidi Clarke said the fundraising effort has taken on added significance following the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa on Falmouth Public General Hospital.
“This initiative has always benefited paediatric and neonatal health. So this one, in particular, is going to be benefiting the Falmouth Hospital’s Paediatric and Neonatal Unit, which was really severely affected by the passing of the hurricane. We’re excited to be able to give them new equipment. [There are some] fantastic doctors down there and nurses that we want to be able to support and [provide] life-saving equipment for babies,” she said.
Clarke said the initiative is ultimately focused on strengthening healthcare services and improving outcomes for patients.
“It’s always about how we can build the capacity of our healthcare. We have incredible doctors and nurses that work in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean and, with the right equipment, they can save lives and make a huge difference to families,” she said.
She also highlighted the challenge’s role in promoting Jamaica as an adventure tourism destination while giving visitors opportunities to interact with local communities and support charitable causes.
“I definitely think the connection is there. It is all about… showcasing the best of Jamaica and so many different terrains… while… enjoying the Jamaican culture… but also giving back at the same time,” she said.
Clarke said the initiative has already made a significant impact and expressed hope that it will continue to grow while maintaining its focus on healthcare services, medical facilities and patient care.
“At the end of the day, we say that’s all that matters. For a family with a sick child or a newborn who needs that assistance, having that means the world,” she added.
