From Wednesday, October 11 to Saturday, October 14, the streets of Antigua will
come alive as the Sandals Foundation hosts its first-ever all-island charity run to
bolster pediatric healthcare services, provided at the Sir Lester Bird Medical
Centre, as well as through the SickKids Caribbean Initiative.
The event, which aims to raise £100,000 boasts three distinct levels of participation
and invites persons to take part in a 4-day Ultra Marathon 100KM Run; a 21Km
Half Marathon Run on Saturday, October 14; or a10Km walk also on Saturday,
October 14.
Speaking at the media launch on Wednesday, Matthew Cornall, General Manager
at Sandals Grande Antigua said the event is aimed at bolstering the island’s
capacity to provide medical attention to premature babies and children, afflicted by
cancer and serious blood disorders.
“We understand how a lack of access to the right medical equipment and resources
can significantly affect a country’s ability to provide the proper medical attention
to families and especially, children.
Cornall says, “Proceeds from our upcoming Island Run Antigua, will be used to
purchase two identified, much-needed pieces of medical equipment [for the Sir
Lester Bird Medical Centre] – a jaundice screening machine and a handheld blood
analyzer that delivers lab-quality, diagnostic results in minutes. Funds raised from
the run will [also] be donated to SickKids Caribbean Initiative endowment fund,
ensuring the continued sustainability of the initiative, benefitting many for years to
come.”
Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Chair of the Pediatric Department expressed gratitude for
what the support will mean for countless families. We are happy to embrace the
assistance of organizations such as the Sandals Foundation and others, who
recognize the importance of the early years, and the impact that donations have on
future generations. The chance of a healthy life for a child is the greatest gift you
can give a family.
