Th N&N's spinal surgery team completed an extraordinary six-day, 180-mile challenge across Norfolk today, helping bring the N&N Hospitals Charity's Spinal Appeal a step closer to its goal of funding a pioneering EOS imaging system for children and young people with scoliosis.
Colleagues, patients, families and supporters gathered at the N&N to welcome the team home after they kayaked, walked and cycled across the county as part of Spineathlon 2026, raising awareness and vital funds for the appeal.
The challenge comes as the appeal reaches a significant milestone, with £660,000 already raised through donations and gifts in wills towards the £841,000 needed to bring the first EOS imaging system in the East of England to the N&N.
Over six days, the team faced rain, winds and sunshine as they travelled from Norwich to Gorleston by kayak, walked from Great Yarmouth to Sea Palling and onwards to Cromer, Holkham and Hunstanton, before completing the final leg by cycling from The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn back to the N&N.
The EOS imaging system is advanced technology designed to provide highly accurate full-body images while significantly reducing radiation exposure for children and young people who require frequent spinal scans.
Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve and often develops during childhood. Many patients require regular X-rays to monitor changes in their spine as they grow, resulting in repeated exposure to radiation over many years.
'Vulnerable to radiation'
Consultant Spinal Surgeon Tom Marjoram said: "The EOS system can capture images with around an 80% reduction in radiation exposure, which is hugely significant.
"Children are more vulnerable to radiation, particularly around sensitive areas such as the abdomen and pelvis, so reducing exposure wherever possible is incredibly important.”
Rachel Backshall, Director of N&N Hospitals Charity, said: "The team's commitment over the past six days has been truly inspiring. They have taken on a remarkable challenge, pushing themselves physically and mentally, all to help improve care for scoliosis patients.
"We are also immensely grateful to everyone who has followed the team's journey, donated to the appeal and helped cheer them on every step of the way.
“Finally, many thanks, as always, to Desira and providing the support vehicle which enabled us to accompany the team along the way.”
Anyone wishing to support the appeal can still donate here and help bring this life-changing technology to Norfolk.
Pictured are Tom Marjoram, Charlotte El-Labany and colleagues and supporters from the Spinal team.