Going the extra mile for renal patients at the Basildon Half Marathon

Last month we saw five incredible supporters of our hospitals take on the Basildon Half Marathon, all with their own reasons for pushing on to raise funds to enhance patient care. Among them were two dedicated members of Basildon Hospital’s renal team, whose passion for their patients inspired them to go the extra mile.

Bindu Sreedharan, Kidney Care Sister, and Telmy Benny, Senior Haemodialysis Nurse, completed the 13.1-mile challenge to raise funds for patients receiving dialysis treatment at Basildon Hospital. Together, they raised more than £2,000 to help improve the renal unit environment and patient experience.

For Bindu, who celebrates 25 years working on the renal unit next March, crossing the finish line was a personal achievement she never expected.

“When we signed up, I genuinely didn’t think I’d be able to run 13 miles. With determination, training and lots of encouragement, I got there. Telmy and I are incredibly proud of our patients, their families and our colleagues for supporting us. The generosity we’ve received has been amazing.”

Telmy said the team’s patients were the driving force behind their fundraising efforts.

“We never expected to raise more than £1,000 each, so we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. Our patients inspire us every day. We see many of them several times a week and build strong relationships with them and their families. Their strength, resilience and positivity through some very difficult times motivated us to keep going.”

Their efforts also inspired colleague Jubil Thomas, a Renal Healthcare Assistant who joined the race on the day and now hosts a weekly 7 am Sunday morning run with Basildon Running Club.

Looking ahead, together with renal teams we will look to develop an exciting Renal Campaign for 2027, beginning at Basildon Hospital. The campaign aims to improve the comfort, environment and experience of patients receiving dialysis treatment, helping make long hours in hospital a little easier.

To support our renal teams donations can be made by clicking the orange ‘donate now’ button at the stop of this screen, or by calling 0300 443 0052.