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News & Updates
Keeping you up-to-dates with all activites at RJAH.
Stay in the know regarding all the latest news and events assocaited to 20Thrive.
A massive good luck to Team RJAH, who will be taking on the Chester Half Marathon on Sunday - we're incredibly proud of their dedication and support 💪 We have a limited amount of places available for the Chester Marathon 🏃♀️➡️ Support your local hospital and claim your charity place today 👉 https://rjah20thrive.com/events/chester-marathon/
The biggest congratulations to our amazing TCS London Marathon runners - what an incredible achievement 🤩 We have absolutely loved receiving these pictures from Team RJAH and we're still completely in awe of their enormous effort - completing a marathon and fundraising alongside is no small feat 🏅 Keep your eyes peeled... the fundraising total will be revealed shortly 👀 We are already at full capacity for the 2027 marathon, but your next race could be even closer to home. Visit our events website to find out what challenges we have available 👉 https://rjah20thrive.com/events/
📣 CLAIM YOUR CHARITY PLACE TODAY 📣 The Adrenaline Sporting Events Chirk 10k is a fantastic event that brings together an active community of people taking part in sporting events for a range of reasons - let yours be supporting patients and staff at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital 🏃♀️ The race offers a stunning route for all runners. It takes in the amazing Chirk Castle and some lovely country lanes with beautiful views 🌞 Participants of all abilities are welcome! For more information and to register your interest in a charity place, please visit 👉 https://rjah20thrive.com/events/chirk-10k-2/
Race day is here! Good luck Team RJAH! 🏃♀️🎖 Today our incredible TCS London Marathon runners are hitting the streets of London in support of our charity and we couldn’t be prouder of every single one of them 💜 A massive thank you to each of them - their months of training, determination, and fundraising efforts have already made a real difference. We hope they enjoy every mile - we’ll be cheering them on all the way! 🙌 If you'd like to support Team RJAH with a donation you can visit our fundraising campaign here 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/teamrjah2026
2 days to go until the TCS London Marathon! 🥳 Our final profile comes from our terrific Team RJAH member, John 🏃👟 John said: "I have always enjoyed a challenge, and preparing to run a marathon has certainly been just that. From an initial 5Km parkrun two years ago, I am now aiming to complete a 42.2Km marathon - the perfect challenge for me in my 60’s. "Training through the winter in all weathers has been exhilarating, and on April 26th in London I’ll join thousands of others, each with their own story and many raising funds for charities close to their hearts. "I’m proud to be running in support of the RJAH Charity - a cause I know well from my time as a Shropshire GP and on the RJAH Board. I’ve seen first-hand the life-changing work made possible for patients. "Thank you to everyone who has supported me. I’ll be running with you in mind, knowing my challenge is small compared to those faced by many every day." If you'd like to sponsor John, you can do so by visiting his JustGiving page 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/john-pepper-2
📣...and they're off! We're running a virtual marathon down in our Veterans' Hub today in support of Sarah's Op Endurance - a fundraising mission like no others, raising vital funds to support the Veterans' Orthopaedic Service 💪 The idea is simple - together, we’ll collectively cover the distance of a full marathon and let’s see how quickly we can reach 26.2 miles as a team! You can take part by running, jogging, or walking 🏃♀️ A huge thank you to CYC Fitness for loaning us a treadmill for the day 🤩 This coincides with our St George's Day celebrations - so you can make the most of the RV Coffee Shop's special offer, a free cupcake with every hot drink purchased 🧁
The countdown is really on, with the TCS London Marathon taking place this Sunday! 🤩🕡 Today's Team RJAH profile features the marvelous Matt. He said: "I'm not a runner, I won't pretend to be, but I did the event for RJAH Charity in 2024 as it's something I've always wanted to do. "As a kid growing up the London Marathon was a massive thing in our house - it was on from start to finish and we would watch it every year! I originally signed up again because it was such an amazing experience and I wanted to repeat it - if I can beat my time then that's a bonus! "I've always known about all the good work RJAH does in the community through friends who have benefited from treatment there. However, over Christmas I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my toes and ankles and was referred to see a specialist, so RJAH has now become very personal to me and my future. "Training has gone well – my biggest run is done, and now I'm just keeping myself ticking over. I can't wait to get to the start line!" Visit Matt's JustGiving page to show him some support 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/matt-barber-5
📣10 DAYS TO GO 📣 This evening the spotlight is on Larissa and Andy - partners both in life and on the road as they take on the TCS London Marathon 🙌 Larissa said: "I signed up for the London Marathon to raise money for RJAH Charity, a place that does remarkable work helping people recover from serious injuries and conditions. "It felt like a good way to challenge myself, having been a patient who has undergone several knee surgeries and have always thought this would never be possible. "The training journey has been a mix of highs and lows, particularly with undergoing a small surgery in December. Some runs have felt encouraging, whilst others have involved battling fatigue and aches. However, it has been rewarding to see the support from family, friends, and the local community, which makes all the training worthwhile." Andy added: "Training has definitely had its ups and downs. Some runs I’ve felt strong, other days it’s been about just getting out the door and putting one foot in front of the other. But that’s what this challenge is about for me, sticking with it, pushing through, and hopefully raising some money along the way. "I never thought when I crossed the finish line 11 years ago that I would go back for seconds! My partner, Larissa who works at RJAH, persuaded me to give it another go to support a great cause; I hope the funds we raise make a real difference to others." Follow this link to support Larissa and Andy 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/larissa-andy-marathon-funds
The big day is drawing even nearer - and today we're hearing from the amazing Andrew, who joined Team RJAH alongside his son-in-law Dave 'Barn' 🤩 Andrew said: "I’m running the TCS London Marathon as I will have just turned 60 and it would have been my late Dad's 90th birthday on the day of the marathon. "I work for Rev-A Associates, who will be supporting my fundraising with a donation, and I will be running alongside my son-in-law, Dave, although he will finish at least an hour ahead of me. "Training is a bit of slog to be honest... where my hobbies such as watching Aston Villa and shooting are put on the back burner until after the big day!" If you would like to support Andrew, you can visit his fundraising page here 👉 https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/andrew-rowson
🏃37 days until the Chester Half, 🏃♀️ Have you claimed your place yet? The Chester Half is one of the UK’s longest‑established and most highly regarded half marathons. Starting and finishing in the historic Roman and Medieval city of Chester, this fantastic event offers a predominantly flat route through the city and surrounding countryside, all run entirely on closed roads. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, taking on a new challenge, or supporting a great cause, this is a brilliant opportunity to get involved 🙌 Places are filling fast, so please sign up as soon as possible to avoid missing out. If you’re interested or would like more information on how to register, please follow this link 👉 https://rjah20thrive.com/events/essar-chester-half-marathon/
Today's spotlight is on the terrific Team RJAH member Jo 🤩👏 Jo said: "I am running the TCS London Marathon in support of The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital as a way of giving back for the incredible care my family and I have received there. "Several years ago, my father sustained a catastrophic injury when he fell through a greenhouse, severing the ulnar nerve in his dominant left arm and hand. The injury was devastating and could easily have ended many of the activities he loved. "Thanks to the outstanding skill, treatment and support from the team at RJAH, his recovery has been remarkable. Today, he is not only able to use his arm again but is even back out on the golf course - something we are all hugely grateful for. "Running has always been an important part of my life, although I would describe myself as a very enthusiastic but rather slow runner! A few years ago I also experienced a back problem that required treatment at the hospital. Once again, the care I received there helped me recover and get back to doing what I love. "Taking on the London Marathon is my way of saying thank you. I feel incredibly fortunate that I am able to run again, even if I’m a little slower than before, and I hope that by fundraising I can help support the hospital so it can continue providing life-changing care for others, just as it has for my family." If you would like to sponsor Jo, you can do so via her fundraising page here 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/joanne-parsons-1
On April 12th one of our amazing supporters will be taking on the Paris Marathon - and we would love your support 🚴 Ben is running to raise money for The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, after the care his dad received here helped end months of severe hip pain and made a real difference to his quality of life. He’s chosen to support the Veterans' Orthopaedic Service, which provides specialist care and facilities for those who have served. If you’re able to donate or share, it would be greatly appreciated - any money raised will make a huge difference here at RJAH 👉https://www.justgiving.com/page/ben-alexander-4
We’re thrilled to be the official charity partners for the Adrenaline Sporting Events Chirk and Ellesmere 10k races, and we’d love you to be part of it! 🏃♀️👟 Whether you’re chasing a personal best or taking on your first 10k, this is a brilliant opportunity to get involved 🎖 By signing up, you’ll not only enjoy a well-organised, friendly race through beautiful scenery, but you’ll also be making a real difference - every step you take helps support the vital work of our charity at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital 💜 Lace up, sign up and be part of something special at the Chirk and Ellesmere 10k races 👉 https://rjah20thrive.com/events/
There's only 23 days to go until our tenacious Team RJAH runners take on the ultimate challenge - the legendary TCS London Marathon 🏃♂️🤩 Today the spotlight is on Steve. He said: "Once upon a time running the London marathon would of been my worst nightmare - it might still turn out to be yet! "Running hasn't always been my favourite sport. I have always been a keen local footballer, but when the world was shutting down because of COVID, I was unable to play football, so I decided to give running a go - and, to my surprise, I actually enjoyed it. "Having embraced various race distances since catching the running bug, it now feels only right to attempt my first marathon in London. What could be more inspiring than running there - especially while raising vital funds for the amazing charity at RJAH? "Despite the awful weather so far this year, my training is going well, and I am enjoying the physical and mental challenges it presents. I have a young family - a wonderful wife and two beautiful daughters, Effie (5) and Piper, who will soon be 4. "I also have a demanding job here at RJAH, where I have worked in the Orthotics Department since I was a shy 16-year-old in 2004. Consequently, most of my training takes place at 5am, before my family wakes and my workday begins. So, if you see me hobbling around the hospital, you'll know I've had a long run that morning." To support Steve, you visit his fundraising page here 👉 https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/steve-bishton
We are delighted to have the support of community based organisation, Shrewsbury Men’s Shed, here at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. The group have kindly produced 3D printed dragons, pill boxes and kids toys to sell in our Veterans' Hub - with all proceeds going to the Veterans' Orthopaedic Service 👏 Thank you for the ongoing generosity 💜
We're hearing from Barry today, another one of our terrific Team RJAH TCS London Marathon runners 👟🎖️ Barry said: "Being a former solider in the British Army, I have seen how fellow soldiers have suffered life changing injuries. However, some of them have been able to continue living a relatively normal life due to the amazing works of prosthetics and rehabilitation. This has been such a focus for me, and the reason why I signed up for the London Marathon - to give something back to this amazing, transformative hospital. "My marathon journey has been positive with the odd set back. I am currently running 15 miles comfortably, which has been very rewarding as I can get how I have progressed through my training. I am also looking forward to lighter evenings and hopefully a little less rain!" If you would like to sponsor Barry, please visit his JustGiving page 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/barry-mahon-1
A huge thank you to the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes for supporting the Veterans' Orthopaedic Service here at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital 👏 The group commissioned a cast iron table and chairs to enhance the Veterans' Hub outdoor area. Their support is a tribute to a much valued colleague with a strong connection to the armed forces 💜 You can read more about the Buffaloes charitable work and community service here 👉 https://raobphilippines.org/
A huge thank you to our very brave firewalkers that took part in Whittington Castle’s first Charity Firewalk event on Saturday evening!! 🔥💪 Together they have raised an incredible £1000, with more donations still coming in! 👏 An amazing effort in helping raise funds for RJAH Charity, meaning we can continue supporting the patients and staff at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital 💜 Would you like to take part in next years event and raise funds for us? Get in touch and register your interest 😊 Email: rjah.fundraising@nhs.net #firewalk #fundraising
Time to hear from another one of our rapturous runners 🏃 Today we're shining the spotlight on Dave as he prepares to take on the TCS London Marathon with Team RJAH next month. He said: "The London Marathon is a bucket list event which I have grown up watching. "I regularly register for the ballot, but like others unsuccessfully. I have never attempted a marathon before and if you’re going to attempt one, why not the biggest and best one! "Recently my family have used The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital and I wanted to link in with the charity to give back after some brilliant care which was provided. "I have been running on and off for a few years now and really wanted to challenge myself with the marathon distance! Nervous and excited to be a part of the event and give it my best shot!" If you'd like to sponsor Dave, please visit his fundraising page 👉 https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/dave-barnett
34 days to go until Team RJAH take to the streets of London to complete the iconic TCS London Marathon 💪🏅 In the lead up to the event we will be shining the spotlight on some of our incredible runners, who have all been tirelessly training and fundraising ahead of the big day 👟 Today we're hearing from Craig. He said: "I was born in Shrewsbury and still live there now. I’ve been running on and off for quite a few years now and running the London Marathon has been my ultimate ambition. "The chance to run and raise money for such a wonderful charity that is local to myself - and one that supports the hospital that myself, family and friends have all had cause to benefit from over the years makes it even more special. "My training is going well although the British weather isn’t helping, but I’m sure it will all be worth it come April 26th." You can support Craig by visiting his fundraising page here 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/craig-evanson-2 If you fancy setting yourself a challenge, we have a calendar of sporting events you can check out here: https://rjah20thrive.com/events/
We've had a wonderfully busy couple of weeks here in the Veterans' Hub at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital 🤩 From celebrating St David’s Day earlier this month to coming together again yesterday for St Patrick’s Day 🇮🇪🏴 A heartfelt thank you to everyone who got involved and helped make these celebrations so special. We are incredibly grateful to our amazing volunteers whose dedication and hard work make events like these possible 🫶
We're so grateful to all of our runners who took on the Chester 10K at the weekend - what an achievement 🏅 We'd like to give one of our race participants an extra loud shout out - congratulations to Gill who absolutely smashed the race 💪 Gill said: "It was awesome, the other runners clapped and encouraged us from beginning to end. It was so friendly and I was so inspired by everyone in attendance. "I was overwhelmed by the goodwill of everyone, it was really something else. I felt great taking part - going from really anxious to feeling proud to be running for RJAH Charity. It really puts everything into perspective." 💜 Gill is taking part in the Chester Triple, so preparations are underway for the half marathon, taking place May 17th. You can sponsor Gill here 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/gillian-middleton-2 Or if you're feeling inspired to take part, we have a limited amount of spaces available in the upcoming Chester Half and Marathon: https://runforcharity.com/charity-landing-page/rjah-charity/chester-events
Join us in wishing Sarah good luck as she kicks off the ultimate fundraising mission - Op Endurance 💪 She begins with an expedition to the Artic Circle - an 8 day self sufficient expedition starting in the city of Tromsø in Norway and travelling through extreme weathers and isolation to the Arctic Circle, approx 217 miles South ❄ Sarah is raising vital funds to support the Veterans' Orthopaedic Service here at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. You can keep up to date with Sarah's progress and make a donation here 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/opendurance
We’re delighted to share that RJAH Charity has partnered with Farewill, the UK’s favourite online will writing provider. 💜 By leaving a gift in your will, you can help future patients access advanced treatments, specialist equipment, and the compassionate care that supports them from the moment they arrive to the day they return home. Even a small gift can make a big difference! ✨ You can create your will for free and, if you wish, choose to leave a gift to RJAH Charity. Start your will today here: https://farewill.com/rjahcharity-web1 or call 0208 050 2686 and quote 'RJAH Charity'
Race day is almost here - Chester 10k is happening on Sunday! 🏃♀️ Good luck Team RJAH! We're so grateful for the support and hope our runners enjoy every second of the event 🙌 For those interested in taking on a Chester challenge, we have a limited amount of spaces available in the half marathon and full marathon: ⭐ Half Marathon - 17 May 2026 ⭐ Marathon - 4 October 2026 Whether you’re a seasoned runner or taking on your first race, we’ll be with you every step of the way. Sign up today to secure your place 👉 https://runforcharity.com/charity-landing-page/rjah-charity/chester-events
We’re delighted to be in attendance at the Lanyon Bowdler Innovation After Injury Conference 2026, taking place at Theatre Severn today. This event brings together leading speakers and inspiring individuals to explore innovation after injury, including topics such as AI, nutrition, sleep and personal relationships 👏🏼 Keynote speakers include founder of the Veterans' Orthopaedic Service Lt Col Carl Meyer.
Sarah Newey is taking fundraising to the next level with a challenge that’s definitely not for the faint hearted! 💪 Op Endurance is a calendar of events, packed with some of the toughest, most demanding fitness challenges around. All to give back to the Veterans' Orthopaedic Service, who supported her when she needed it most. You can follow Sarah’s journey and support her by donating here: 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/opendurance
We are delighted to have supported with funding a dedicated End-of-Life Specialist Nurse, enhancing the Trust's commitment to compassionate care for patients, families and staff 🤍 The End-of-Life Specialist Nurse role will allow The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to expand its palliative care provision. Read more here 👉 https://www.rjah.nhs.uk/about-us/news/rjah-secures-funding-to-expand-end-of-life-care-for-patients/
Sponsor Gill! 💜 Meet Gill, a fantastic volunteer at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. After being a patient herself in the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries, Gill now gives her time on the Helpdesk and as a Ward Friend, supporting patients and visitors every week. This year, Gill is taking on an incredible challenge - which includes the Chester 10k, to raise funds for RJAH Charity 💪 Having benefited from the care and kindness at RJAH, Gill says it’s her way of giving something back. Please consider sponsoring Gill and cheering her on as she runs for our hospital and patients. Every donation makes a huge difference 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/gillian-middleton-2 Or if you're inspired by Gill and would like to take part in the Chester 10k, we have a limited number of charity places available: https://runforcharity.com/charity-registration/rjah-charity/mbna-chester-10k/rjah-charity-mbna-chester-10k-second-reg-1
During December we welcomed a pop up stall at our main entrance selling beautiful handmade wreaths, floral arrangements and candles in support of Barry, a London Marathon runner in our 2026 cohort 🏃 We’re delighted to share that after just a few days on site, Barry and Amelia raised an incredible £1,078.49 towards Barry’s fundraising goal! 🤩 A huge thank you to Barry and Amelia for the amazing effort they put into creating these wonderful items and for taking the time to run the stall and sell them 💜 If you’d like to help Barry reach his fundraising target, you can donate via his JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/barry-mahon-1?msockid=1c868da9119f64801f9d9b4e10ca655e
Run for RJAH at the Chester Triple 2026! 🏅 Looking for a challenge with a purpose? Take on the iconic Chester Triple and help raise vital funds for The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital💜 Choose your distance: ⭐ 10K - 8 March 2026 ⭐ Half Marathon - 17 May 2026 ⭐ Marathon - 4 October 2026 Whether you’re a seasoned runner or taking on your first race, we’ll be with you every step of the way 🙌 Every step you take will help support patients and staff at your local hospital. 👉 Sign up today and secure your place:
Ready to challenge yourself in 2026? 🏅 We’re excited to announce that RJAH Charity has been named a charity partner for the Chester Triple Medal Series! Whether you’re an experienced runner, returning to fitness, or setting a brand-new goal, you can take part in one race or push yourself to complete all three and earn the prestigious Chester Triple Medal. Find out more here 👉 https://www.rjah.nhs.uk/about-us/news/challenge-yourself-and-support-rjah-in-2026/
We had a very special visitor join us this week! 🎅 A huge thanks to the lovely team at RAF Shawbury for bringing Father Christmas to us for the afternoon 🎄✨ During the visit we managed to spread some festive cheer over in Alice Ward and at Peter Pan Nursery, before a final visit to the Veterans' Orthopaedic Service, in support of them choosing the Centre as one of their charities for the year! 💜
Thank you to our wonderful friend John and everyone at the The Prince of Wales, Shrewsbury for collecting funds for our charity 👏 Our collection tub has been generously filled to the brim by kind customers - the funds raised will directly benefit paediatric patients at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital 💜
There's just over two weeks to go until Lt Col Carl Meyer - founder of the Veterans' Orthopaedic Service at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital - and his daughter Lottie, take on the Altra Yorkshire Marathon 🏃♀️💪 They are fundraising to support the service at RJAH, which delivers access to world-class orthopaedic care at a national centre of excellence through a military-led team, while also offering vital welfare support. There's still time to make a donation and support their cause - just visit their dedicated JustGiving page 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/lottie-meyer-marathon
Once our team has been in touch to complete your registration, you can kick-start your fundraising journey for The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Charity by signing up as a fundraiser on our JustGiving page.
