The athletes raised more than £130,000 to support the Millennium Heights Medical Complex in Saint Lucia as well as paediatric healthcare across the Caribbean.
A neonatal ventilator, a nesting system, an infant warmer, an incubator, an infusion pump, a jaundice meter and infant blankets to stabilise and treat complications and infections will all be bought.
“Each piece of equipment that has been pledged to the Special Care Baby Unit will significantly improve the quality of care we are able to provide for families in their most vulnerable time,” said Dr Lashorn Christian, head of Paediatric Department at the Millenium Heights Medical Complex.
“The ventilator is a critical device for neonates, particularly those who are premature or have problems breathing. It stands as a gold standard for care and can help in a baby’s survival and recovery.
"The Infusion pump allows us to deliver fluids, medications, and nutrients to the newborn, and the jaundice meter will help us monitor bilirubin levels which if left untreated, high levels can result in cerebral palsy, deafness as well as other neurological damage and impairment.”
Athletes raised the money by completing the Sandals Foundation's third annual Island Challenge – a four-day endurance test around Saint Lucia included long-distance running, rainforest trekking, sea kayaking and climbing a dormant volcano.
The challenge began on 17 October with a 10km run from Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort in Castries to Sandals Grande St Lucian Resort in Pigeon Island, near Gros Islet, followed by a 10km sea kayak from Sandals Grande St Lucian to Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort.
Now in its third year, the Sandals Foundation Island Challenge showcases how tourism can make a real difference to communities.
The event has previously provided support to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and to the Paediatric Unit of Mount St John's Medical Centre in Antigua.
“There is power in the strength of the tourism network to effect real and sustainable change. We are incredibly honoured to be in a position to connect with our incredible local and international travel and corporate partners to make this event a reality," said Karen Zacca, director of operations at the Sandals Foundation.
Karl Thompson, managing director of Unique Vacations UK Ltd, sales and marketing representatives of Sandals Resorts, and organiser of the Island Challenge, said: “I am so proud of everyone who took part in this year’s event. It was extremely tough at times, but we all supported each other mentally and physically and made sure everyone crossed the finish line.
"Being able to visit the Special Care Baby Unit at the Millenium Heights Medical Complex before we began the challenge put everything into perspective and really hit home about how much of a difference the money we raised will make to vulnerable families. It’s an honour to be able to give something back.”
To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/islandchallenge2025. For more information about the Sandals Foundation visit www.sandalsfoundation.org
