We recently celebrated the first NHS Blue Wave on 11 May 2025 at the Plymouth Half Marathon. UHP staff ran alongside their colleagues and families, as well as thankful patients and supporters, to celebrate our local NHS.  

It was a brilliant day for our hospital community. Over 150 runners took part to do something amazing for their well-being and to raise funds for Plymouth Hospitals Charity.  

Even with the downpour at the start, everyone crossed the start line together in a wave of NHS blue, filled with smiles and high spirits! 

 

(Picture of Claire & Jessica)

 

Claire Chinnock, Head of UHP Staff Well-being, ran the 5k distance. 

She said, “It's been a great atmosphere, really well organised and fun. It's nice to see so many staff taking part in this event and coming together for a good cause. We know that work can be challenging, so it's lovely to see that sense of community from our colleagues. I'm feeling very proud to be a part of the UHP team today.”   

 

The event has now raised over £13,000 for Plymouth's hospitals. We couldn't be more grateful and proud of everyone who got involved.   

Staff raced for their patients and with their colleagues. Patients pushed themselves to express their gratitude, and supporters sprinted to thank the hospital for the care their loved ones received. 

 

(Picture of Amy)

 

Amy participated in the Blue Wave to thank the staff who cared for her Mum.

She told us, “My Mum has been unwell for the majority of her life and has spent many years in and out of hospitals and ambulances. In the latter part of last year, Mum had a long four-month stay in hospital.   

During her stay, she spent some time in intensive care, Braunton ward and Mayflower ward due to a respiratory arrest and then a cardiac arrest around a week later. The staff that Mum met during her stay were truly inspirational and I cannot thank them enough for keeping Mum going. It's for that reason, and for many others, that I wish to raise money for this charity.” 

 

(Picture of Caroline)

 

Caroline, an Adult Cystic Fibrosis Nurse for the Chest Clinic, ran a half marathon in the Blue Wave. 

She shared, “I'm doing it for all the amazing people with Cystic Fibrosis, especially those across Plymouth and Cornwall receiving care from UHP. They are an inspirational bunch, often facing more on a daily basis than many of us face in a lifetime." 

 

You're all amazing! Thank you to everyone who made the first NHS Blue Wave so special. We can't wait for next year!