Former Richmond Council Leader and former Kingston Hospital Non-Executive Director, Serge Lourie, is taking up London Marathon’s 2.6 challenge on 26 April, when he plans to walk 2.6 kilometres to raise money for Kingston Hospital Charity.
Serge is currently recuperating at home after being taken to Kingston Hospital on 22 March and testing positive for COVID-19. He spent three days in Intensive Care, followed by a further seven days recovering at Kingston Hospital.
Speaking when he announced that he was taking up the challenge, Serge said:
“COVID-19 is a horrible condition and affects people in many different ways. I had it very badly and had low levels of oxygen, especially when I was in Intensive Care.
Fortunately, I think I am recovering and would like to thank the ambulance team and the staff at Kingston Hospital for saving my life. I cannot overestimate the kindness and skill of everyone I encountered at the Hospital. They were simply magnificent.
Across the country, carers and medical staff have been fantastic, but I have decided to give something back by raising money for Kingston Hospital. I have run five marathons in the past, but the 2.6 kilometres will be a greater challenge after my serious illness.”
So far, Serge has raised more than double his initial fundraising target of £1,000.
Interim Head of Kingston Hospital Charity, Rob Aldous said: “I would like to extend my warmest thanks and best wishes to Serge as he prepares for this challenge. It is wonderful to see such dedication and commitment to helping our staff at Kingston Hospital continue to provide the best possible care for patients.”
To support Serge Lourie’s challenge, visit his JustGiving page.
