Fund-raising team take on Wolf Run for children’s hospital

9 May 2023

A team of Force child protection officers successfully completed a gruelling Wolf Run, raising more than £1,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

As part of the event, which took place in Leamington late last month, the 10-person team - who called themselves ‘The Dirty Piggies’ - battled an off-road 10km route of boggy ground, muddy lakes, messy trails, hills and fallen trees.

Detective Neil Jones-Keyte, who was part of the fundraising group, said that ‘although the event was a lot more challenging than expected’, there was ‘no giving up’.

“We’re all part of a big team, a police family - and this was our chance to escape from the office and raise money for a cause that means so much to all of us,” said 43-year-old Neil, who has been working in child protection for around seven years.

“When Meg [Davis] suggested we take on the Wolf Run I don’t think we realised just how difficult it would be, but there was no giving up - we know just how much of a difference the money we’ve raised will make.

“As a team, we’ve seen some seriously complex and severe cases and a lot of the time these young victims need to go to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. We’ve seen first-hand the fantastic care they can give, the work they do is priceless.”

The team, which is made up of all abilities, has already reached more than £1,000 of its £1,500 target.

“Our team was made up of all ages and abilities, ranging from the early 20s to over 50,” added Neil.

“Some of the team are really fit, and others aren’t - but we all did it together. We all crossed that finish line as one big team.

“This was our opportunity for us all to go out, do some exercise and raise money - it also gave us something else to focus on and work towards. And it’s a great alternative to your usual team away day.

 “People travel to Birmingham Children’s Hospital from across the country because of the amazing work they do. From nurses to specialist doctors, and even their locum staff members, they go above and beyond for their patients - and not because they have to, but because they want to.

“As far as team-building tasks go, I don’t think this will be the last time we take on a challenge like this. I’m working on a skydive next, so watch this space.”

Donate to the team by visiting their JustGiving page.