Grandfather raises money for Worthing Hospital with walk

Alan Hern, of Williams Road, Shoreham, was joined by nearly 30 people – some with health problems – on a walk from Steyne Gardens, Worthing, to Shoreham Beach last month.

So far, Alan has managed to raise an impressive £2,500 from the walk, but he hopes to raise even more.

Alan, 71, said: “The amount of money people have donated is brilliant, but the more it goes up, the more excited I am getting. I now want to get it up to £3,000.”

Alan decided to raise money for Worthing Hospital, in Lyndhurst Road, after its scanner was used to diagnose a mini-stroke he had in 2006.

At the time, Alan had an acute fear of hospitals and was reluctant to be treated for the condition, which lasts for less than 24 hours and affects the brain’s functions.

But as a result of the “fantastic” treatment he received, Alan has now conquered his fear.

He said: “The way they were with me was brilliant. I can now go into a hospital and I couldn’t care less. All the fear I used to have has gone.

“I was terrified of hospitals, but when I went they were brilliant, so I’m trying to give something back.

“They saved my life, more or less, so it’s only fair,” he said.