This World Hepatitis Day 2026, the Nottingham Hepatitis C Operational Delivery Network (HCV ODN)—which provides hepatitis C testing and treatment across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and East Staffordshire—and the Hepatitis C Trust Charity are taking on the Derbyshire Three Peaks Challenge; a demanding 20-mile hike to raise vital funds for substance use and recovery services in Derby and Derbyshire.

Funds raised will support Cranstoun and Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, whose teams play a crucial role in helping many of our patients through their recovery journey while accessing life-saving hepatitis C treatment. These services provide essential support, guidance, and hope to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

By sponsoring this challenge, you will be helping to:

- Support people affected by substance use to access the care and recovery services they need.

- Raise awareness of hepatitis C and the importance of testing and early diagnosis.

- Honour and remember those who have tragically lost their lives to hepatitis C.

- Contribute to England's ambition to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat.

This challenge represents our commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind and that everyone has access to the care and treatment they deserve.

Over the years, our HCV ODN, nursing teams, the Hepatitis C Trust Charity, and community partners have consistently gone above and beyond to raise awareness and support patients. Previous World Hepatitis Day initiatives have included taking part in the Nottingham University Hospitals charity abseil, completing a 16-mile sponsored beach walk to raise funds for patient resources and the Hepatitis C Trust, and running a network-wide hepatitis C testing tour, bringing testing directly to local communities.

Why Hepatitis C Matters:

Hepatitis C is a curable virus, yet thousands of people remain unaware they are living with it because it often has no symptoms. The virus is spread through blood-to-blood contact with someone who has an active infection.

If left untreated, hepatitis C can cause serious liver damage, including cirrhosis (irreversible liver scarring) and liver cancer. Early diagnosis is therefore vital. The good news is that modern treatments cure around 98% of cases and can be completed in as little as 8–12 weeks.

Simply put, no one should lose their life to hepatitis C.

The importance of testing has recently been highlighted by the Infected Blood Inquiry, which revealed that NHS blood products used before 1996 were not routinely screened for blood-borne viruses, resulting in some people unknowingly contracting hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and HIV. In response, the Nottingham HCV ODN continues to encourage anyone who may be at risk to get tested.

Get Tested:

Anyone wishing to take a hepatitis C test can order a free, confidential home testing kit via the NHS service at hepctest.nhs.uk/ref/ntm1 (https://hepctest.nhs.uk/en-gb/order-a-test?ref=ntm1) or by searching "Hep C Test" online.

Please Support Us:

Every donation, no matter how small, will help us support the incredible organisations that stand beside our patients every day. Together, we can save lives, reduce health inequalities, support recovery, and move one step closer to eliminating hepatitis C for good.

Thank you for helping us make a lasting difference.