RJAH surgeons complete epic 2,000-mile European road trip to raise money for charity

A team of eight arthroplasty surgeons from The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) have successfully completed an epic 2,000-mile road trip across Europe, raising money for two charities.

Joined by four theatre reps from MatOrtho and Johnson & Johnson, the five-day Alpine Challenge saw six teams travel through France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium in cars purchased for £2,000 or less, all while raising funds for the League of Friends at RJAH and Lila’s Legacy.

Locations included Reims in northern France, Interlaken and the Swiss mountain passes, Lake Constance, Germany's famous Black Forest High Road, and Ypres in Belgium, before returning via Dunkirk and the Channel Tunnel.

Mr Simon Lewthwaite, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and fellow organiser said: "I completed the Fireball Rally with my son back in 2019, which inspired this challenge. The idea started around 18 months ago, so seeing it become a reality was incredibly rewarding.

“Everyone embraced the challenge from start to finish, and it brought together colleagues in a way that you don't often get the opportunity to do. Most importantly, we were able to raise money for two charities that mean a great deal to all of us, and we'd like to thank everyone who donated and supported us throughout the journey."

The adventure was not without its challenges – along the way, teams experienced mechanical breakdowns, cars losing power and even almost running out of fuel. Despite the setbacks, everyone completed the challenge, although one team faced a final hurdle when their car suffered a mechanical issue while boarding the train back from France, resulting in an unexpected taxi ride from Folkestone before being reunited with their car a week later.

Mr Ben Burston, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and fellow organiser, said: "Without doubt, this is my favourite thing I've done since joining RJAH almost 14 years ago. It was an incredible experience to share with such a fantastic group of people, and I don't think any of us will forget it anytime soon.

"It was about working together, taking everything in our stride and enjoying the adventure and it's something I'd recommend to anyone given the opportunity."

During the challenge, which the team referred to as GT26, the next destination was shared each evening before continuing their journey the following day.

Mr Lewthwaite added: “The challenge has also sparked lots of conversations and interest from staff across the hospital – which was surprising, but also fantastic to see.”

Mr Burston added: “We must say a huge thank you to Churncote Farm Shop, which opened early on the morning of departure to provide bacon sandwiches and coffees for us before we set off, and to Theatre Nurses Emma Burford and Jess Hatton, who kept supporters updated via Instagram.”

To donate to the fundraising for the League of Friends and Lila’s Legacy, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/gt26six-teams-five-days-2000-miles-this-is-not-a-holiday

You can also find out more about the challenge by visiting the dedicated Instagram account - @grandtour.gt26