Helen’s 100km marathon in support of Dementia services at Southend Hospital

Back in May, Helen Hughes crossed the finish line of the Brighton Ultra Challenge – a gruelling 100km run from London to Brighton, which she completed in just over 14 hours. For Helen, her challenge was powered by love and a desire to make a difference.

Helen took on her incredible challenge in support of Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, raising vital funds for Dementia services at Southend Hospital – an area which now sits incredibly close to her heart. After her father, Arthur, was diagnosed with dementia in 2023, the impact of the condition deeply affected not just him, but Helen, her mum Geraldine, and the entire family.

“Watching my Pops slowly slip away from us is truly heart-breaking. I put on a smile, but inside I’m breaking,” Helen shared in one of her fundraising posts. She trained for months, pushed herself physically, and often emotionally – bravely sharing her personal story and memories of her dad in a raw and honest way to raise awareness and support.

The result was an incredible £3,625, raised to help other patients and their families through their experiences of dementia. Helen’s fundraising was a true family effort with her mum hosting (and baking for!) her own afternoon tea event, adding £350 to the final total.

Helen has gone above and beyond for Southend Hospital, and our charity for many years. Her support began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she played a vital role as a volunteer, helping in many areas including the packing and delivery of thousands of staff care hampers to support our hardworking NHS teams. Since then, she has fundraised for the Stroke unit and has even continued to volunteer by supporting our fundraising events, despite living over 1.5 hours away in Hertfordshire.

Clair Dade, Fundraising coordinator, said “Helen is an incredible force of strength and compassion, and we are so deeply grateful – not just for her amazing fundraising, but for the continued support she shows to our charity, patients, and hospital teams.

“Donations such as Helens mean that our Dementia service teams can provide their patients with additional equipment, resources and improved surroundings to reduce anxiety, confusion and upset whilst under the care of our hospitals.”