Life Raft Survival Challenge
Raising Funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital
In May 2015, Wayne Ingram M.B.E. MCPara embarked on a physically and mentally demanding challenge: spending seven days and nights on a small life raft, moored off the south coast of England in Portland Harbour. This extreme test of endurance was conducted to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital’s (GOSH) Patient and Family Support Service, which provides essential support to families with children undergoing life-saving treatments.
Working with Portsmouth University, Wayne’s journey also contributed to critical research aimed at developing better survival life rafts by studying the effects on a human body in conditions similar to being lost at sea. Armed with just 1.5 litres of water and a 24-hour ration pack, Wayne faced hunger, thirst, isolation, and extreme temperatures while pushing himself to the absolute limit.
Information
Project Name:
Life Raft Survival Challenge
Category:
Fundraising for Children's Healthcare
Client
Great Ormond Street Hospital
Location:
Portland Harbour, UK
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Working with Portsmouth University, Wayne’s journey also contributed to critical research aimed at developing better survival life rafts by studying the effects on a human body in conditions similar to being lost at sea. Armed with just 1.5 litres of water and a 24-hour ration pack, Wayne faced hunger, thirst, isolation, and extreme temperatures while pushing himself to the absolute limit.
Watch the Life Raft Survival Challenge Playlist on YouTube
Experience the highs and lows of Wayne Ingram’s incredible seven-day Life Raft Survival Challenge by watching the full video playlist on YouTube. Follow his journey as he battles isolation, hunger, and the elements to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital. Each video captures the raw emotions, physical struggles, and unwavering determination that made this challenge a success.
From daily video diaries to behind-the-scenes insights, this playlist provides an in-depth look at the entire survival experience, as well as the inspiring cause behind it. Don’t miss a moment of this intense journey.
The Challenge: A Real-Life Survival Test
The Life Raft Survival Challenge was designed to replicate the harsh conditions faced by those stranded at sea. Wayne had to live off just 500ml of water a day, scavenging for food, collecting morning dew, and even resorting to using a hand-operated reverse osmosis filter and his own urine to stay hydrated.
“By Saturday, I’d lost 8kg, and my blood sugars had dropped to a dangerous 1.1 mmol/l. If not for two raw fish I’d caught and managed to eat, I could have slipped into a diabetic coma.”
Through sheer perseverance, Wayne completed the challenge, raising an incredible £12,862 for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital’s Patient and Family Support Service
The money raised from the challenge went directly to GOSH’s Patient and Family Support Service, which offers vital accommodation and care for families with children undergoing treatments at the hospital. This service ensures families can stay close to their children, providing emotional and practical support during some of the toughest moments in their lives.
“We really appreciate Wayne’s fundraising and the support of everyone who has sponsored him,” said Elizabeth Cooke, Parent & Patient Accommodation team leader at Great Ormond Street Hospital. “The money raised will help mums, dads, and carers stay near their child at a very difficult time.”
Wayne’s Connection to Great Ormond Street Hospital
Wayne’s first experience with Great Ormond Street Hospital came in 2003 when he raised funds for Stefan Savic, a 4-year-old Bosnian boy, to undergo facial reconstruction surgery. Over the years, Stefan returned for follow-up operations, and Wayne was deeply touched by the level of care and support provided to both the child and his family.
“The help and support GOSH gave to Stefan and his family was beyond words, and raising funds for their Patient and Family Support Service was my way of giving back.”
Equipment and Support
Wayne’s life raft and survival equipment were generously provided by Ocean Safety, a company specialising in marine safety equipment.
Portsmouth University’s involvement in the project helped provide critical research data, while their donation contributed to the fundraising efforts.
