Runs, rides and raffles – all in support of West Marden pub landlord’s hospital fundraiser

Residents are raising funds in support of the campaign

Toby Morgan, the West Marden pub landlord whose wife Donna has spent more than 60 days in intensive care at St Richard’s Hospital after she contracted the coronavirus, said he had been ‘bowled over’ by the support from well-wishers, which have helped the fundraising total reach £96,390.

It comes as Donna’s condition has improved, with the 52-year-old now out of a coma and currently undergoing intensive physiotherapy.

She remains on a ventilator and has a long road to recovery ahead, but Toby said: “The fact that she’s turned a corner is amazing, everyone is super relieved.”

He said it was down to both Donna’s resilience and the ‘perseverance and tenacity’ of the NHS.

In support of the campaign in Donna’s honour launched by Toby, Dom Akers-Douglas, 40 of Shopwyke, raised £4,000 by running a half marathon – which included scaling The Trundle.

Dougie Ramsay, 27 of Compton, ran 50km on a route which included going to the top of Kingley Vale twice.

He has had plenty of support from locals, some of whom made the trip on their mountain bikes.

The chef, who has worked at pubs including the Victoria Inn run by the Morgans, is planning on doing an epic 50 mile run in the next month and has raised almost £2,000 so far.

Meanwhile Alex Madgwick, 23 of South Harting, who is the proprietor of Compton Village Shop and Tearoom, raised £305 by selling Cream Tea Treat Boxes and holding a raffle.

Other activities yet to take place include a sponsored overnight cycle of the South Downs Way, from Winchester to Eastbourne, starting tomorrow evening.

Charlotte Stevenson, 13, is planning to donate her waist-length hair to the The Little Princess Trust and raise money for the campaign at the same time.

Dozens of people have continued to get dolled up every Thursday to a different theme for Clap for Carers.

Among those who took park in the Pulp Fiction theme on May 14 was Ellie Holder, who works in the Maternity Ward at St Richards, and her daughters.

The theme on May 21 was The Italian Job, while tonight’s theme is Pretty Woman.

All the funds raised will go towards developing a holistic service for staff, patients and families affected by Covid-19 at St Richard’s Hospital – find out more at www.comeondonna.com

SEE MORE: West Marden pub landlord whose wife is critically ill with coronavirus raises more than £36,000 for St Richard’s Hospital

All dressed up for Clap For Carers in honour of West Marden’s Donna – in pictures

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