Donna set for challenge of a lifetime with Kilimanjaro climb in aid of Macclesfield Hospital’s Emergency Department

A dedicated member of Macclesfield Hospital’s Emergency Department will be taking on the challenge of a lifetime in September as she climbs Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of raising funds to enhance the training and development opportunities for her colleagues.

Sister and Training Facilitator Donna Rees, 52, who has worked in the Emergency Department for the past 25 years, will be climbing Africa’s highest peak later this year.

Over the past nine years Donna has focused on teaching and development within her role, which enables staff to grow in skill and confidence.

Through embarking on this challenge, she hopes to raise funds which can offer staff access to further training opportunities they wouldn’t normally get the chance to access.

Donna said: “Teaching and development is something I’m passionate about, because when we support our staff, our patients benefit too. The ED is more than just a workplace — it’s a place full of strength, compassion and care.

“This climb is not just a personal challenge but also a way to give back. I’m raising money to improve training resources, equipment, and opportunities for staff development. This could mean new kit for simulation training or offering places on valuable courses that staff wouldn’t normally be able to access.

“I’m also climbing Kilimanjaro in memory of my wonderful mum. She would have been incredibly proud, and slightly horrified, to see me take on something like this. I can just imagine her telling everyone about it with a big smile on her face, while also quietly worrying about every step I take.

“As I climb towards the summit of Kilimanjaro, I’ll be thinking of my mum — and hoping to make her proud. I’ll be carrying her memory with me every step of the way — especially in the hardest moments. This climb is for her.”

To support Donna’s fundraising efforts, please click here. [Donna Rees is fundraising for East Cheshire NHS Trust Charitable Fund]

To get involved in fundraising for East Cheshire NHS Charity, as an individual, group or workplace, get in touch with the fundraising team by emailing ecn-tr.ecnhscharity@nhs.net or by clicking here. 

ENDS

Notes for editors

• For further information about East Cheshire NHS Trust, contact the Trust press office on 01625 663935.
• East Cheshire NHS Trust is the main provider of acute and community health services for people across East Cheshire. The Trust is based at Macclesfield District General Hospital and also manages Congleton War Memorial Hospital and Knutsford and District Community Hospital.
• Follow East Cheshire NHS Trust on Twitter for all the latest news: @EastCheshireNHS
• East Cheshire NHS Charity goes above and beyond standard Government funding to make your local NHS that extra special. From supporting staff health and wellbeing to providing toys to brighten up our young patients’ days to making long stay patients feel more at home – our mission is to make a visible difference. You can make a donation to the charity on JustGiving here.