LINSTEAD Public Hospital has received its largest-ever donation from the Tru-Juice 5K Run/Walk.

The 2026 staging of the event raised a record $9.2 million which was formally handed over to the hospital during a ceremony on Monday, marking another major milestone for the community-focused event, which also recorded its highest-ever participation with 4,966 registered runners and walkers.

Now in its 11th year, the Tru-Juice 5K has supported Linstead Public Hospital by helping to fund equipment, improve services and strengthen the hospital’s capacity to deliver care to residents of Linstead, Bog Walk, Ewarton and surrounding communities. The 2026 donation surpasses last year’s contribution of $8.2 million.

Peter McConnell, managing director of Trade Winds Citrus Limited, said the increased support reflects the strength of the community and the company’s continued commitment to health-care in the area.

“For us, this is not just an event. It is part of our commitment to the communities around us,” McConnell said.

“We are happy to know that these funds will go directly toward improving care for the community,” added McConnell.

He also thanked the participants, sponsors, volunteers, and organisers who helped make the 2026 staging the event’s most successful to date. Looking ahead to 2027, McConnell said the team already has its sights set on growing the event even further.

“We have nine months to plan, and we are already preparing for next year,” said McConnell.

Speaking on behalf of Linstead Public Hospital, Dr Dacia Thomas, acting senior medical officer, said the donation represents a continuation of a meaningful partnership that has helped the hospital improve its service to patients over the years.

“Today’s cheque handover is much more than a financial contribution. It represents partnership, community and continued investment in healthcare and in the well-being of the people we serve,” Thomas said.

“For more than a decade, Tru-Juice has supported this hospital, and those contributions have helped us strengthen services, acquire much-needed resources and improve the experience of our patients and staff,” added Thomas.

She said the continued support has helped the hospital provide care closer to home for many patients, reducing the need for transfers to other facilities and supporting the wider development of healthcare in the parish.

Abdon Campbell, parish manager, St Catherine Health Services, also commended Trade Winds Citrus Limited and the Tru-Juice 5K team for their sustained support, noting that previous proceeds have assisted with improvements including equipment for the hospital’s paediatric ward.

The Tru-Juice 5K has grown steadily over the years into one of St Catherine’s most anticipated wellness and community events.

The 2026 staging again brought together individuals, families, corporate teams, schools, churches, fitness groups and community members for Jamaica’s only off-road 5K experience at the Tru-Juice Orchards in Bog Walk.