A team of physiotherapists from a local health trust are celebrating after claiming the top spot in a virtual race around the world, reinforcing their belief that they are the most active physio department in the world.
Forty-four physiotherapists from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust took part in the Physio World Run virtual race against other physiotherapists from the UK and abroad.
Physio World Run
Physio World Run was setup by the Trust to promote the importance of physical activity and for the department to set a positive example for their patients and others within the Trust. Each team member committed to regular running, cycling, walking or swimming and recording their logged miles on the Strava App.
The miles built up and up, with each team able to see each other’s progress.
The intrepid team were named as having hit the required distance of 40,075 km.
Dubai and New Zealand
Team member Chris Tarn, Senior Clinical Professional, said: “We raced against teams from all over world, from as far as Dubai and New Zealand.
“Our team were out in all weathers clocking up the miles, with the added challenge of observing the requirements of physical distancing.
“Last year we did the same challenge and it took the team 10 months. For us to complete the challenge this year in 5 and a half months in the midst of a global pandemic is outstanding!
“Keeping in good health is essential. There is strong evidence to suggest that being active reduces your risk of diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, dementia and depression. And the best thing is it can be free.
“We really want this to be part of a catalyst to encourage our local population to improve their activity and to show that anything is possible when you have lots of encouragement and support from others.
“It’s been a great challenge and seen a lot of people increase their physical activity, some of the team hadn’t done any running or cycling for years and have slowly built up their stamina. It’s had a great impact upon people’s friendships in the department and on our mental health.
“It’s become a proper community now with everyone supporting one another through weekly challenges.”
“We would like to thank the other teams who joined us this year, who have been amazing, and really stretched us to up our game. We really believe in raising awareness of the benefits of being active, and it’s clear from the number of other teams taking part in our region that we have a strong presence when it comes to promoting this.”
Teams talking part in the 2020 challenge were:
• County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
• South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Connect Health (national private provider)
• Teesside University Physiotherapy Student Society
• Mediclinic (Dubai)
• Northland District Health Board (New Zealand)
• University of Nottingham Sports Injury Clinic (Nottingham)
• Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust
To find out more about Physio World Run.