Big-hearted Wolverhampton students lace up for 170-mile Coast 2 Coast challenge to help patients at New Cross

Eleven determined teenagers took on a gruelling challenge - Coast 2 Coast 2025, a 170-mile run across the country from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire, and all within 24 hours.

Their motivation? Supporting the Neonatal Unit at New Cross Hospital, which cares for babies born too soon or too small. 

The students spent four months training hard for the race, which took place on May 24, but to help focus their efforts, they visited the Neonatal Unit to gain a better understanding of the care and support given to families and to talk to parents of premature babies. 

Student Gabrielle, aged 15, was among the group who toured the unit and met the families benefitting from its life-saving work. 

“To be able to visit and speak to the parents of Arthur, one of the babies being looked after, really focused me,” she said. “It makes me determined to do what I can to help the unit.”

It’s not just determination that’s fuelling their feat – their fundraising total quickly soared past its original £3,000 target, reaching over £5,800 before the challenge began.

Katie Haywood, Matron of Neonatal Services at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, praised the students’ dedication.

“We are very grateful to the students for choosing to support us in their fundraising,” she said. “One in eight babies born here will need Neonatal care so on behalf of our babies and their families we say good luck and thank you!”

The Coast 2 Coast Challenge has been a proud tradition at the school for 25 years, and continues to unite generations of students with a common purpose: pushing their limits for the good of others.

Mr French, the school’s Coast2Coast lead, said the visit to New Cross left a lasting impact on everyone involved.

“It really brought home to us all just how important the unit is and the range of support it offers to people in our communities,” he said. “The staff do an incredible job – we saw that for ourselves – and it was a privilege to speak to some of the parents too.”

He added: “We wanted to inspire and motivate the team, showing them the tangible difference their efforts can make and reinforcing the idea that nothing is impossible when approached with determination.”

Amie Rogers, Fundraising and Lead Digital Engagement Officer, added her thanks and her well wishes.

“With the challenge just over a week away, we send our best wishes to the group for a safe and successful fundraiser,” she said.

“Their efforts will help us buy items above and beyond what the NHS provides, such as slip-on covers for incubators – making the environment safer and more comfortable for our babies.”

To support the charity effort and help make a difference for local families, donations can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/wgs-coast2coast2025