Shropshire health chief back from volcano charity challenge
The chief executive of Shropshire's major hospitals has spoken of his "incredible experience" on a charity trek up four volcanoes.
Simon Wright returned to work on Monday, and despite being bruised and little sore, he said he was delighted to have succeeded in tackling Sicily’s “Mighty Four” volcanoes - Stromboli, Vulcano, Salina and the world famous Mount Etna.
Mr Wright, who is chief executive of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), took on the epic trek in support of the MRI appeal set up by the League of Friends of the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital to mark their 50th Anniversary.
During his adventure he trekked a total of 16,000ft – and was met with 30 degree heat when he reached the top of two of the active summits, Etna and Stromboli.
He took a boat to reach the volcanoes – and each took around six hours to complete.
Mr Wright, who is a keen walker and runner, is hoping that his volcano challenge will help to raise around £5,500 for the MRI Appeal.
He said: “It was the most incredible experience, and I am absolutely delighted to have completed my challenge to help the League of Friends. They were all tough climbs, but I was determined to make it to the top of each of them.
"Reaching the top of the craters was spectacular, and there was only one hairy moment when we had to make a quick vertical descent from the top of Stromboli.
“Fundraising groups like the League of Friends are vital to hospitals like ours. They help us purchase equipment to improve the quality of care we provide for our patients, and I wanted to do something to help them.”
Mr Wright funded the trip himself and used some of his annual leave to complete the challenge.
People can donate to support Mr Wright's effort on his fundraising page at justgiving.com/fundraising/Simon-Wright-Sath
