They want residents to join this year’s Hike for Health, an event in aid of the Leytonstone hospital.
One of these women, Loren Townsend-Elliot, has a personal reason for her support.
A few years ago, she suffered a leg injury and was diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection.
This condition led to six years of regular hospital visits, medication, and nine operations.
Loren said: “It got pretty bad.
“When it gets bad, you can’t walk, and I could only bend my leg by three centimetres.
“It was really hard for a couple of years, not being able to walk.
“I would have fevers all the time.
“And after each operation, you’d have to relearn how to walk.”
Thanks to the care she received at Whipps Cross and The Royal London Hospital, she is now fully recovered and ready to show her gratitude.
She plans to walk 15km to raise funds for the hospitals.
She said: “I feel like I’ve come full circle.
“Before, I could barely walk.
“Now, I’ll be walking 15k to raise money for those who helped me get my life back.”
Another dedicated supporter is Jennifer Naughton, a complex discharge coordinator at Whipps Cross.
She has been a keen participant in Hike for Health for several years.
With her former colleagues from Syringa Ward, she has raised hundreds of pounds for Barts Charity, helping to secure a £500,000 refurbishment grant for the ward.
Jennifer said: “It’s a great way to stay active and support a cause close to our hearts.
“Whether you walk 5k or 15k, it’s about showing up for our hospitals and our community.”
This year’s Hike for Health takes place on Sunday, September 21, supporting the five hospitals of Barts Health NHS Trust.
The funds raised will directly benefit services at Whipps Cross Hospital and beyond.
