Snowdon challenge raises £2,200 for RJAH Veterans’ Service

A team of colleagues from Culina Group has raised more than £2,200 for the Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH), after taking on the challenge of scaling Snowdon.

The team tackled Wales’ highest peak as a thank you to the Oswestry-based specialist hospital for the care given to their colleague, Mark Dunn, following a spinal cord injury.

The challenge held particular meaning for the group, with military veterans among those taking part. The group chose to support RJAH’s Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service in recognition of the care and support provided to veteran patients, including Mark.

Mark suffered a spinal cord injury and was admitted to RJAH, where he underwent complex spinal surgery and intensive rehabilitation before being discharged home and adjusting to life as a wheelchair user.

During his time at RJAH, Mark was able to use the Simulation Lab, based within the Veterans’ Centre. The technology allowed him to virtually visit the seaside, offering a welcome opportunity to mentally escape from the ward environment for a little while.

Daniel Wood, Transport Manager at Culina Group and a military veteran, said: “Taking on Snowdon was a real challenge, but it was nothing compared to the journey Mark has been through. The team who took part were amazing and all had different abilities.

“As veterans ourselves, this felt like a really meaningful way to show our thanks to RJAH for the care and support Mark received, while helping other patients benefit from facilities like the Simulation Lab.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported us and helped us raise this fantastic total for RJAH Charity.”

Mark Dunn, who is also a military veteran, said: “The care I received at RJAH made such a difference to me, not only physically but mentally too. Being able to use the Simulation Lab gave me a chance to escape the ward for a while and focus on something calming and uplifting.

“I am really grateful to everyone at RJAH, and to my colleagues at Culina Group for taking on this challenge.”

Victoria Sugden, RJAH Charity Director, said: “It is incredibly moving that this fundraising challenge was inspired by the care Mark received at RJAH.

“Every donation helps us provide those extra things that sit beyond NHS funding, from innovative rehabilitation technology to additional support that helps veterans regain confidence and independence.

“What a brilliant achievement, we couldn't be more grateful to all the team at Culina.”