Laura Harris works on Paddington children’s ward at Northampton General Hospital as a Paediatric Staff Nurse and was eager to get involved with some fundraising to support Northamptonshire Health Charity’s appeal for the new children’s outside play area at the hospital. Laura explains in her own words how Paddington Bear left the comforts of the ward and embarked upon his adventures to Peru, helping her to raise a fantastic amount for the appeal:

“Over the last few years, the trust has been trying to raise some funds via Northamptonshire Health Charity, to support a new garden project and outdoor play area; to enhance a somewhat difficult journey some of our children and young people go through during their stay in hospital. Paddington Bear is seen everywhere on the ward, from grand paintings on the walls inside and out, to small and more detailed illustrations along the way.

I decided it would be a good idea to take Paddington back to his roots, his home, and the depths of the darkest Peru; in a bid to try and raise some funds for this project.

Our journey started out in Lima so that Paddington could visit his great Aunt Sally!

We then headed East and trekked along to Paracas, Huacachina, Puno, Arequipa, the city of Cusco and eventually Machu Picchu!

The journey itself took around 2 weeks, and it was very challenging at times due to the high altitude, but it was worth every second. The experience was liberating, and breathtaking (literally!) And a whole adventure of its own.

When we made it to our final destination…Machu Picchu; and in the variety of its charms and the power of its spell, we know of no place in the world that can quite compare to it!

I felt that by combining this once-in-a-lifetime experience with something so important to me, it was a way of giving something back and trying to make a difference.”

Robert Powell from the charity said, “We would like to say a huge thank you to Laura for raising an incredible £555 towards the appeal and a big thanks to everyone who sponsored Laura!” 

If you would like to get involved and help the charity reach its target and help bring this dream to life, supporting local children in hospital, please visit the appeal page at https://northamptonshirehealthcharity.co.uk/appeals/childrens-outside-play-area/