The Glenbourne Unit in Plymouth treats adults with acute mental health problems and in crisis. Earlier this year we were awarded the rating of “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (my understanding is that only two other acute mental health units in the whole country achieved this) for the high levels of care and support we provide our patients with. We have two fantastic wards which have recently undergone extensive renovation and modernisation filled with some amazing nurses who were recognised as being the best in the country in terms of the care and compassion they give our patients.

On the 8th October Jess Austen (Referral Coordinator, The Glenbourne Unit), Marie Rossington (Clinical Team Lead, The Glenbourne Unit), Maggie Cassidy (Assisstant Practitioner, The Glenbourne Unit), Cathy Fiander (Patient Finance Officer, The Glenbourne Unit), Sharon Smyth (Occupational Therapist, Learning Disabilities Team) and Matt Wollerton are walking a large section of The Great Wall of China to raise money for the Occupational Therapy department, therapeutic garden and the new sensory room at The Glenbourne Unit. Originally constructed to defend China against the nomadic tribes, the Great Wall is a thrilling challenge of twists, turns, ups and downs. Beginning four hours north of Beijing, the challenge takes them on a series of vigorous upwards climbs of over 10,000 relentless steps over the course of the trip. As the days progress they will follow the winding path along the mountains that spread either side of the Gubeikou Gateway.

The team have been training really hard for this amazing challenge over the last few months but they need your help to try and reach their target of £10,000. This opportunity has cost each member of the group in excess of £2000 which they have paid out of their own pockets! They decided to do it in this way to ensure that 100% of the donations they receive go towards the cause they are raising money for and none of this money is used to fund any part of the trip. The team decided to set themselves a personal fund raising target of £1000 each which they have been busy collecting from family, friends and colleagues. They are now so close to hitting their target and are truly in awe of the generosity of all these people. Help them to raise the last £2000 for this fantastic cause!