A CHESHIRE based survival business is to partner with Liverpool University Hospital’s Foundation Trust to help provide lifeline support to thousands of people across the North West and beyond
Spartan Survival has signed up to work with the Liverpool University Hospital Trust in a new crusade aiming to raise awareness and funds for two projects that support an end-of-life model of care and an initiative to help educate around the dangers of knife crime
Spartan, which runs bushcraft and survival courses at a site in Cheshire’s Cholmondeley Woods, will be hosting a special event later this month to support the Swan Model initiative and Knifesavers.
NHS staff from the Merseyside-based trust – who are being sponsored – will be put through their paces by ex Military Personnel during tasks similar to those featured on TV survival programmes.
The teams taking part will be pushed to their limits, while undergoing two days of outdoor survival training. Whilst out in the wild, they will be expected to weather the elements using equipment and training provided. They’ll also face a number of military based challenges. Attendees at the event on May 14 and 15 will have to construct their own shelter and will sleep under the stars. They will also learn different ways to make and maintain a fire and be coached on how to cook and exist on military rations. Those taking part will be aiming to raise much needed resources for the two = initiatives – one of which is celebrating its tenth anniversary.
Ten years ago, the Swan Model of care for End of Life and Bereavement was created and developed at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust. It has now been deployed across nearly 50 Care Organisations throughout the UK helping tens of thousands of people nationwide each year. It is resident and family focussed centres aim to meet the unique needs of each individual and their loved ones at a difficult time.
KnifeSavers is an initiative founded by one of the Trust’s specialist Trauma Consultants, and supported by Liverpool University Hospital’s Foundation Trust. The project is run in conjunction with victims of knife trauma and their families. The project aims to empower and educate people to deal with bleeding caused by knife injuries, helping to improve chance of life and survival rates. The Knifesavers initiative educates through their Bleed Control Kits, education programme and a unique step-by-step app.
Commenting on the upcoming event, Ian Huntington, co-founder of Spartan Survival and its Chief Instructor, said:
“Both of these organisations are making huge differences in many lives and we are delighted to be involved in an event which will help raise much needed funds. Losing a loved one is a painful process, and the empathetic and caring nature of Swan means end of life care can be focused on helping ensure that a very difficult time can be carried out with dignity, care and compassion. It will never be easy to say goodbye to a family member or friend, but the support of Swan means it can be peaceful. The work of KnifeSavers is equally instrumental, and we are proud to support an initiative that can help to combat the devastation that knife crime can leave. Staff at Spartan Survival have been in the British military, so we know, firsthand, how important quick thinking and fast action can be in saving a life after an injury like a knife wound. KnifeSavers empowers and educates so that anyone who is a victim of knife crime can have a stronger chance of survival, and we are proud to support this work as much as we can.”
Loren Slade, Fundraiser for Liverpool University Hospitals Charity, commented:
“We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with Spartan to offer staff a new and exclusive charity challenge. It’s great to have so many staff taking part who will be raising much needed funds for such good initiatives. We would like to wish all participants the very best of luck and can’t thank them enough for their amazing fundraising efforts.”
Fiona Murphy, Director of Nursing at Liverpool University NHS Foundation Trust, who is taking part with her son, Ben, added:
“We really believe end of life care is everyone’s business and it is about getting it right for every patient every time, irrespective of their place of death. It is really important to look after our families as well as our patients at this really difficult time. This is what our new Swan model is all about. End of life care is a difficult period for patients and relatives and there are many choices available to them, for example the decision to sign the organ donor register and whether they would prefer to die at home. The Swan model will give them the help they need to understand those choices. The Spartan survival challenge is a huge undertaking, please support us in any way you can. All donations will be so appreciated.”
