Urgent Care GP, Susanna Hocking from Worcestershire, is proud to have completed her epic three-day, 300km solo challenge to raise awareness of sepsis – and has exceeded her target fund-raising expectations for the UK Sepsis Trust. Raising over £2800, Susanna has battled high-winds and delayed ferries in the Highlands, and is grateful for the “tremendous support” given to her throughout her challenge.
Aiming to bring attention to Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition which accounts for 48,000 deaths annually, Susanna peddled her way across the Hebridean Way in the Outer Hebrides. The journey began on the Island of Vatersay and ended at the Butt of Lewis yesterday. Over the course of three days, Susanna has smashed her early target of £1000 – made possible by friends and family and fund-matching contributions from her company, Practice Plus Group – a leading healthcare provider.
“It was a tough ride but the thought of everyone’s enormous support and generous donations kept me going.”
Dr Susanna Hocking
Susanna, Medical Lead at Practice Plus Group’s Integrated Urgent Care (IUC), Gloucestershire, says, “It was a tough ride but the thought of everyone’s enormous support and generous donations kept me going. As a doctor, I am passionate about raising awareness of this potentially life-threatening condition. I believe with early detection and ensuring the patient is in the best place for the most appropriate care, Sepsis can be treated effectively and lives can be saved. Knowing the signs to spot in the early stages of Sepsis is crucial but can be difficult with symptoms often similar to those of any flu-like illness Receiving urgent care and treating symptoms fast saves lives.”
In Susanna’s role at Practice Plus Group’s IUC service in Gloucestershire, she is instrumental in improving the integration of care pathways for patients through the health care system, from 111 to the Out of Hours service and onward to the acute hospitals. The healthcare group also runs hospitals and surgical centres around the country, with the nearest in Emersons Green, Bristol, and Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
Commenting on the journey, Susanna says: “The highlight of the trip was the beautiful scenery and rugged roads of the Highlands. Everyone I met was friendly and welcoming, there is a real feeling of community spirit across the islands, and I was always greeted with a wave and a smile. As much as being alone was difficult at times, it was also an opportunity to focus my mind and clear my head. As a mother of four experiencing peri-menopause symptoms, brain fog and fatigue can be challenging at times, but I’m really proud I put my body and mind to the test and was able to raise awareness of such an important cause at the same time.
“During some legs of the trip, I found it really tough going – especially on the Isle of Harris which was particularly brutal with high winds blowing me off course occasionally. Overall, the experience has been really exhilarating and the love and kindness shown from my friends, family and colleagues spurred me on. I’m looking forward to a long bath and reflecting on my achievement, which hasn’t quite sunk in yet.”
To support Susanna on her Hebridean adventure, sponsor her at: Susanna Hocking is fundraising for UK Sepsis Trust (justgiving.com)
For more about Practice Plus Group visit www.practiceplusgroup.com.
