'Nurse of the year' swaps scrubs for running shoes for charity

Laverna Campbell, LASCO-Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ) Nurse of the Year 2016-2017, recently organised a 3K walk/run event, the proceeds from which went to the Yadel Home for Children in Bannister, Old Harbour, St Catherine.

Inspired by the work of her church, the Cobbla New Testament Church of God in Spalding, Manchester, Campbell sought to do more. Every third Sunday of each month, female congregants of Cobbla New Testament give a donation towards the management of the home using the motto, 'Stand Up For Yadel'.

"As the LASCO/NAJ Nurse of the Year, I wanted to visit the home to see firsthand what happens there and what could be done for the girls," Campbell said.

After the visit, the nurse, who works at the Percy Junor Hospital in Manchester approached the NAJ and proposed that the association not only host its annual Easter Bunny Treat outside of Kingston but specifically at the Yadel Home for Children. From that moment, the drive to raise funds was ignited and the 3K walk/run born.

Other partners included LASCO, who donated water, drinks and sanitary napkins, as well as the Cobbla New Testament Church of God, and Percy Junor Hospital.

The charity run/walk raised $60,000 from 32 participants. Campbell will also hand over a refrigerator to the children's home next month.

"I chose the 3K walk/run because it's all about health and wellness. It's a good form of exercise and people are now buying into these activities. Furthermore, this is an easier way to mobilise persons and once the funds are for a worthy cause, it will be supported," Campbell said.