WO2 Stuart Millson (Ret’d), a former member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), recently embarked on a deeply personal journey of recovery and self-discovery that has culminated in an inspiring fundraising challenge.

After spending time on Juniper Ward, a psychiatric ward at Parklands Hospital, Basingstoke. Stuart has made it his mission to give back to the NHS staff who played a pivotal role in his recovery. He’s set up a JustGiving page for this fantastic initiative, which has raised £1000 (and counting) for Brighterway, a charity dedicated to enhancing staff and patient care at Southern Health by raising funds to provide support beyond the NHS budget. It funds welbeing initiatives such as garden developments, green spaces and community groups.

His story is one of resilience, gratitude, and a newfound passion for helping others.

A new beginning at Juniper Ward

A highly experienced soldier with over 28 years’ service, Stuart had served with units in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Germany, Holland, Kenya, Canada, Oman, Kosovo, Greece, Bosnia, the Falkland Islands, Iraq and Afghanistan.

He arrived on Juniper Ward at a particularly low point, overwhelmed by personal pressures that had built up over time. Being medically discharged from the Army compounded these challenges.

It was on Juniper Ward that Stuart began to rebuild himself, thanks in large part to the compassionate care he received from the staff. He described the ward as a place that “silenced the external noise” of his life, giving him the opportunity to focus on his mental health.

“The staff were absolutely amazing – from the doctors to the cleaners. They were like links in a bike chain, and without them, the whole thing wouldn’t work,” Stuart explained, emphasising the importance of each team member. Among those who made a lasting impact was Ward Activity Coordinator Pete, whose unique therapeutic approach helped Stuart in ways he hadn’t anticipated.

The healing power of art and self-care

Activities like painting, yoga, and even quiz nights were integral to Stuart’s recovery. These simple yet powerful exercises provided a way to distract and ground himself, which complemented his formal therapy sessions. Stuart reflected on how these activities discreetly overlaid therapy, helping him work through his struggles in a more accessible way.

“Painting was so calming. It helped me eject the other nonsense going on in my head,” he said, noting that it also taught him to appreciate mindfulness in ways he hadn’t before. These activities allowed him to express his thoughts and emotions through creative outlets, providing him with a sense of calm and focus that had been missing in his life.

Launching a fundraising challenge

Toward the end of his time on Juniper Ward, Stuart was moved by how much even small contributions, such as a £10 donation for art supplies, meant to the staff and future patients. This inspired him to take on a personal fundraising challenge to give back. This October, Stuart is committed to running or walking two miles every day to raise money for Juniper Ward.

“I just wanted to raise a couple of quid to give something back to the staff who did so much for me,” he shared. Initially setting a modest goal of £150, he was stunned by the overwhelming response from his community as his renewed self-confidence saw him return to posting on social media. Stuart has now raised over £1000 with over a week to go..

The funds will go to Brighterway and will be earmarked specifically to supporting Juniper Ward, ensuring that future patients can benefit from the same therapeutic programs that were so crucial in Stuart’s recovery. His efforts not only highlight the importance of mental health services, but also the powerful role that community support plays in sustaining these vital resources.

The road ahead

Stuart’s journey is far from over. His commitment to giving back has doubled, and he plans to continue fundraising for the ward every year. He hopes that his story will inspire others to seek help when they need it and to support the mental health services that make such a profound difference.

Reflecting on his recovery, Stuart shared a simple yet profound piece of advice that had helped him: “It’s okay not to be okay.” For someone who had once been reluctant to ask for help, Stuart now urges others, especially men, to reach out when they’re struggling.

His fundraising challenge may have officially ended, but Stuart’s dedication to mental health awareness and support will continue. He’s already thinking about his next fundraising initiative, which he promises will be even more challenging – a testament to his ongoing personal growth and desire to give back.

A heartfelt thank you

At the heart of Stuart’s story is a deep gratitude to the staff at Juniper Ward. In his own words, “I wouldn’t be here without them.” Their unwavering support, compassion, and understanding helped him through his darkest moments, and Stuart’s fundraising efforts are his way of saying thank you to the people who helped him find the light again.

As he continues to rebuild his life, Stuart hopes that his journey will inspire others to support mental health services, whether through fundraising or simply by showing kindness to those who need it most. His story is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope—and sometimes, all it takes is a little help from those around us.

For more information on Stuart’s ongoing fundraising efforts or to make a donation in support of Juniper Ward and its activities, please visit his JustGiving page here or visit the Brighterway website.

FirstLight Trust is proud to announce its participation in the Great South Run on 20th October 2024 as the opening event for its ambitious Million Miles Matters fundraising campaign. This campaign aims to raise £500,000 over the next 12 months to support veterans and their families, alongside those who have served in the emergency services.

The Million Miles Matters campaign symbolises walking the talk—every £1 donated equates to a mile of support for those who have given so much in service to the UK. Through this campaign, FirstLight Trust is reinforcing its commitment to providing essential grassroots support for veterans, helping them with everything from housing to mental health and career guidance.

Leading the charge for FirstLight Trust in the Great South Run will be a team of remarkable participants, including:

• Dorinda Wolfe Murray, CEO of FirstLight Trust,

• Liam O’Hare, Army veteran and boxer,

• Serena Mcivor, affiliated to the Master Chefs of Great Britain,

• Kevin Dove, marathon runner and longtime supporter, and

• Stef Marsh, partner of a serving soldier.

Commenting on the event, Dorinda Wolfe Murray said:
“I’ve never run anything in my life, but starting with the Great South Run feels like the perfect way to kick off our Million Miles Matters campaign. Our charity’s mission is to combat isolation and offer face-to-face support to veterans and their families, and this run is just the beginning of many miles we’ll cover to raise awareness and funds.”

Kevin Dove, an experienced fundraiser for FirstLight Trust, added:
“The staff and volunteers at FirstLight’s Gosport hub are inspiring. They offer a safe space for veterans to connect and receive life-changing support. I’m proud to be running for a cause that makes such a positive impact.”

The twenty places for the Great South Run were generously donated to FirstLight Trust by Brighterway, the charity arm of Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust. This collaboration highlights the importance of working together at grassroots levels to support those who have served.

FirstLight Trust provides a range of practical and emotional services to veterans of the armed forces and emergency services, from housing and medical assistance to peer support and career guidance. Their community café hubs across the UK offer veterans a safe place to gather and access services in a judgement-free environment.

How You Can Help

• Join the run: Interested in running alongside our team? Contact enquiries@firstlighttrust.co.uk.

• Donate: Support the runners by donating via JustGiving.

• Visit our hubs: See the vital work being done at one of FirstLight Trust’s café hubs.

For more information on the Million Miles Matters campaign and the Great South Run, visit www.firstlighttrust.co.uk.

Petersfield, Hampshire – Imogen Scott-Plummer, Senior Physiotherapist on Cedar Ward at Petersfield Community Hospital, and Kate
Craig, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, are leading a team of NHS employees in the Great South Run this October to raise crucial funds for Brighterway, a charity dedicated to supporting NHS patients and staff.

Brighterway is committed to enhancing patient care at Southern Health by raising funds to provide support beyond what NHS budgets can provide.

Imogen’s 15-strong team, comprised of colleagues from various Petersfield Hospital departments, aims to raise money for Brighterway to support their Rehabilitation Together initiative. In addition to the Great South Run, they’re also participating in a 5 km charity
run the day before the big race – so people are encouraged to support their sterling efforts via their running a JustGiving page.

About Rehabilitation Together

Rehabilitation Together is Petersfield Hospital’s current priority fundraising initiative – it’s a key driver for ensuring they can afford vital new equipment and patient resources. This includes additional therapy that exceeds what the NHS is able to provide, iPads for patients to be able to complete their exercises, and proprietary equipment that will dramatically enhance the level of care they can deliver.

As Imogen says, “Rehabilitation Together is about coming together as one team to ensure excellence in rehabilitation.”

A Personal Commitment to Giving Back

Imogen, 50, and Kate, 42, both have deep ties to the Hampshire community. Having lived in the area for over a decade, Imogen in particular has been actively involved in various local initiatives, with Kate’s role more recently involving her with local health initiatives.

Imogen started running just two years ago, inspired by her interest in triathlons and a desire to support mental health and wellness charities. Her previous fundraising efforts include a 50K ultramarathon in Finland, where she raised money for two charities, Rock to Recovery and Mind. For Imogen, the connection to running is not just physical but deeply personal
– it’s about making a tangible difference in people’s lives, particularly patients she serves at Petersfield Hospital.

Imogen completed a Finnish 50 km ultramarathon to fundraise for Mind
and Rock to Recovery

Kate’s motivation for participating comes from her experience with her grandfather’s hospital journey. “He was in and out of hospital, and I always wondered how much more he could have benefited if he had access to the type of rehabilitation services we provide here,” Kate said, reflecting on her personal reasons for supporting Brighterway.

Why Brighterway?

Brighterway plays an instrumental role in enhancing patient care by funding items and activities that fall outside of the NHS’s standard provision – something that’s highly meaningful and relevant to Imogen, Kate, and their colleagues.

Over the years, Brighterway has supplied equipment like RETA, a dementia support system, and provided resources for exercise classes – innovations that significantly improve the patient experience. Imogen emphasises that their efforts, like those for additional therapy equipment such as exercise balls and stairs, aim to enhance the rehabilitation process for
patients on the Cedar Ward and beyond.

“We’re working to plug the gap between what the NHS can provide and what we know could further improve our patients’ quality of life. This means acquiring equipment that might not be available under the standard NHS budget,” she says. “We want to ensure that the care we provide is as comprehensive and cutting-edge as possible.”

Training for a Cause

Preparation for the Great South Run has been a team-building experience at Petersfield Hospital. Imogen, Kate, and their colleagues have engaged in various training regimens, each at their own pace. Imogen, a seasoned runner, has been incorporating plyometrics into her routine, focusing on building the endurance needed for the 10-mile race, while Kate has
been training to hopefully beat her personal best of 32 minutes for a 5K run.

Despite their different fitness levels, both runners agree that the day is more about camaraderie and mutual support than competition. Imogen highlights the team spirit that has developed within the hospital: “It’s been inspiring to see how many people, including some who have never run before, are joining in.”

Great South Run and Brighterway’s Impact

The Great South Run, a 10-mile race held annually in Portsmouth, is one of the UK’s premier road races, attracting elite athletes, charity runners, and local participants alike. The event is not only a significant athletic challenge but also a platform for participants to raise millions of pounds for charitable causes.

Brighterway, the charity benefiting from the hospital team’s efforts, supports Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust by providing funds for therapeutic equipment, gardens and greenspaces, wellbeing activities, and enhanced care experiences. Previous fundraising efforts by the Petersfield Hospital team include abseiling down Portsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower, where Imogen, Kate, and their colleague Angela Roberts raised money for
garden furniture for Cedar Ward’s patients.

Kate completing the daring Spinnaker Tower charity abseil for
Brighterway in June 2024

Imogen and the Brighterway Spinnaker Tower team, June 2024

Support from Family and Community

On race day, the team will have the full support of their families and the local community. “Everyone has been incredibly supportive,” Kate shares. “Our colleague Ollie will even be FaceTiming his family in the Philippines during the race, which is just amazing.” Many of their family members will be there in person, cheering them on as they cross the finish line, celebrating not only the physical accomplishment but the funds raised for a cause that means so much to them.

Looking Forward

The Petersfield Hospital team is excited for race day and the opportunity to give back to the community. “For me, it’s not about being the fastest. I’ll be happy to be at the back, ensuring everyone crosses the finish line,” says Imogen, reflecting on the spirit of inclusion and teamwork that this event has fostered.

The team is calling on the local community to support their efforts by donating to their fundraising link, which can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/petersfield-hospital-team. With the funds raised, they hope to continue making a difference in the lives of the patients they care for, ensuring Petersfield Hospital remains a beacon of excellent care in the community.

To interview Kate or Imogen please email meredyth@charliecharlieone.co.uk To donate to Imogen and Kate’s fundraising efforts, visit their JustGiving page here.

 

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Eastleigh, UK – Brighterway Charity is proud to announce Kayden Mbay Kabwick as the recipient of the Barton Peveril Sixth Form College Award for Outstanding Resilience, sponsored by Brighterway, the charity of the Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. The award was presented at a special ceremony by Adrian Thorne, recognising Kayden’s exceptional contributions to the college community in sports, wellbeing, and as an ambassador at college events.

“I am very blessed and honoured to have received this reward from Brighterway. I hope that I can continue to inspire young people in becoming more resilient. This award sets me in good stead as I head off to University next September to study Sport and Exercise Science”.

Despite personal challenges and caregiving responsibilities at home, Kayden has demonstrated remarkable resilience and a positive spirit. His academic achievements in the Diploma in Sport course are commendable, with high grades and additional qualifications in football coaching.

Jan Frost, Vice Principal Students and Progress, Barton Peveril Sixth Form College;

‘Kayden is an exceptional young man who always treats others with respect and consideration. He is a caring person who has worked hard to make the best of his opportunities and develop great resilience. I have no doubt that he will make a real impact on the world, both as a role model but also with genuine acts of kindness towards others.”

Phil Pride, Fundraising and Marketing Manager of Brighterway, expressed his admiration: “Kayden’s journey is truly inspiring. It’s an honour to support such a resilient young person who exemplifies the strength and spirit we value. His achievements reflect the core goals of Brighterway in promoting wellbeing and support beyond traditional care settings.”

 

This award  highlights the commitment of Brighterway Charity and Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust to foster and celebrate resilience and success within the community.

Happy 102^nd Birthday Manette, what an amazing woman…what an inspiration!

Manette decided to celebrate her 102nd birthday with a charity skydive for the causes: East Anglian Air Ambulance, Motor Neurone Disease Association and Benhall Village Hall. She is officially the oldest Brit to skydive in history! An  incredible £9,000 has been raised so far!  On her 100th birthday, Manette drove a Ferrari round a racetrack at 130mph! She truly is a dare devil who deserves all the praise and is braver than most people. 

Manette, we all admire your bravery and thoughtfulness to complete your skydive for charity. Please watch the video below –

https://news.sky.com/video/watch-102-year-old-manette-baillie-skydive-for-charity-13202982

Inspiring words from Manette – “I’m about to go up, I’m delighted”, “I must admit I shut my eyes very firmly”, “I just want other people who are getting towards 80 and 90 not to give up anything. Just keep going”. 

If you have been inspired by Manette and would be interested in ticking off your bucket list while raising funds for like Brighterway and your local NHS, please do not hesitate in emailing us at – phil.pride@southernhealth.nhs.uk

Brighterway have been working with Southfields over the last few months to help organise their annual fete! Although the weather wasn’t on our side (), it was great to see so many service users, families and staff from both Southfield and Ashford getting involved! Through the rain, we enjoyed open mic sessions, sports day games, cake sale, plant sale, tombola, diamond art sale!
We would like to thank everyone for your efforts on the day and also for purchasing a plant from our plant stand!  Take a look at the video below to see the many activities and stands which were at the fete!https://www.brighterway.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Socials-video.mp4

Brighterway Charity and SHFT attended all three days of The New Forest Show 2024 – Tuesday 30^th July, Wednesday 31^st July and Thursday 1^st August. This event is one of the most popular events in the area filled with livestock competitions, equestrian events, flower and garden show, fun forest activities, local food and drink stalls, craft vendors, educational exhibits, and entertaining performances. It is a great family day out and a celebration of
Summer.

Through these scorching hot days, we talked and listened to many of you and enjoyed seeing you take part in our activities! On our Brighterway stand we had colleagues from different areas in the Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust –

·        Carers and Patients Support Hub who shared information about the hub and how they support.

·        Friends of Lymington Hospital who shared information about what projects they have completed and future opportunities. Brighterway are currently working closely with Friends of Lymington on the Wellbeing Trail Walk at the hospital. This trail is an opportunity for patients and staff to walk around, take a minute to themselves and breathe in the fresh air.

·        LEAD Training who conducted the CPR Challenge and taught visitors how to correctly perform CPR.

·        First Light Trust for Veterans who assisted Brighterway on the plant stand.

Thank you to everyone who contributed towards Brighterway.
This will assist us to complete more projects which will enhance patients’ and
staff experience. The funds we raised were 25% higher than 2 years ago when we
last attended the show. It was lovely to see the whole community come together
for this event.

Please have a look through these fabulous photos taken by the incredible Ryan from – RHanan Media!

Ever wondered how to use the defibrillator in your local phone box? What if a child starts choking while you’re out for a meal? Would you know what to do if someone had a severe allergic reaction?

Join us at this year’s New Forest Show, where Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust specialists and Brighterway, a charity dedicated to enhancing patient care at Southern Health by raising funds for support beyond the NHS budget, will provide hands-on demonstrations, interactive first aid activities, and challenges to help you learn life-saving skills.

Meet the experts
Hayley Stockford, a Senior Resuscitation Officer from Totton, along with her team, will be at the Brighterway stand throughout the show. They will train the public of all ages in essential first aid skills. Learn to recognize the signs of Sepsis and Anaphylaxis, perform CPR, and get answers to all your first aid questions. Plus, enter our prize draw to win exciting rewards.
Hayley began her career as a paramedic 30 years ago and was one of the first females in the profession. She has provided emergency first aid at leading motorsport, boxing, equestrian, and even cage fighting events. Don’t miss the chance to ask her the questions that could help you save a life.
“I’ve been asked so many questions, from how to administer an EpiPen to how to resuscitate a hamster. Our team is excited to meet people at the event and share life-saving information,” said Hayley Stockford.

Activities and Attractions
Visit the Brighterway stand located on Northern Avenue and at the Flower and Garden Show, where you can:

• Participate in first aid demonstrations and activities.

• Purchase plants and seeds.

• Meet renowned gardeners purchase signed copies of their books.

• Learn more about Brighterway Charity, part of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, which provides community-based mental and physical health services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Phil Pride, Brighterway CEO, said, “We are increasingly funding the creation of green and garden spaces to promote wellbeing. By doing so, we enable patients and staff to spend time outside developing their own gardens, growing plants and produce, and enjoying the benefits of nature and fresh air. We’d be delighted to discuss ideas and suggestions for developing community spaces in support of the NHS in Southern England.”
Find the Brighterway stand on Northern Avenue and at the Flower and Garden Show from 30th July to 1st August. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable first aid skills and contribute to your community’s wellbeing.

COME AND JOIN US ON THE GREAT SOUTH RUN

On Sunday 20 October literally thousands of runners will be on the streets of Portsmouth and Southsea to raise money for hundreds of different charities. Brighterway is looking to recruit a large team of first time and regular runners to raise vital funds to help support your own patient experience and staff welfare projects. 

Further information about the event can be found by visiting this page.

At no cost to you (we will cover your entry fee), we would like each of our runners to aim to reach a fundraising target of £500 or as near to it as you can get, but any amount is welcome . In return we will provide you with your place, training tips and guidance, a fundraising checklist and your own Just Giving page, We will also provide a marquee base for your supporters on the day plus somewhere to celebrate your achievement when you cross the finishing line. Run with us and make a difference.

It will be a great day and we would love to see you there. If you’re interested and would like to enter please complete the form using the link below or if you can get a team together where you work even better! We look forward to hearing from you.

Sign up for the Great South Run. Complete this form.

We have a Whatsapp Group available for participants, please scan the QR Code below to join! We will be sending in training tips, fundraising ideas, motivation and overall keeping the morale of Team Brighterway up high!