Lunéville: Aurélie Hirtt's solo challenge turns into a collective push for pediatrics

Take a solo and united challenge, add a pinch of sportsmanship and a strong desire for collective action, and you will have a successful challenge!

Aurélie Hirtt recently participated in the 24 Hours of Solidarity organized by the Baskets Solidaires association at the Entre-deux-Eaux site in Blainville-sur-l'Eau. This radiant woman, head of the technical delegation at the Eastern Meurthe-et-Moselle hospital group and a firefighter since the age of 16, covered no less than 104 km for a good cause. "This year, I ran to support the pediatric maternity ward at Lunéville Hospital," she says.

While on paper, Aurélie Hirtt was the only one to rack up the miles for the organization during the event, in reality, a real chain of support was created. Doctors, midwives, pharmacists, managers, employees… Many people from GHEMM joined her in this wonderful challenge. Whether running, walking, or simply cheering her on, they took turns and participated in the event in their own way. The momentum was united in both the goal and the actions. “It feels good in our daily lives. Regardless of status, everyone in sportswear.”

Aurélie Hirtt's effort, supported by her supporters, lasted 22 hours (a knee injury prevented her from continuing without risking injury) and raised just over €3,000 thanks to the financial support of several partners.

Moreover, this beautiful reward also has its origins in the preparation.

A race like this can't be improvised. The athlete at heart trained accordingly. And once again, she was able to count on her professional entourage. The collective picture took shape well before the big day!

With the agreement of her superiors, Aurélie Hirtt had access to the equipment available within the hospital's Sports Exercise Medicine and Adapted Physical Activities (MESAPA) department, in order to train during lunchtimes or at the end of the day. She was also accompanied by Alexandre Koch, sports physician, and was able to benefit from a patient pathway, including cardiac and respiratory assessments, blood tests, and muscle capacity measurements. This monitoring for which she is not lacking in recognition, and which contributed to the success of the challenge.

Together, they managed to generate an enthusiastic response to the hospital, particularly its pediatrics department. "People are attached to it," emphasizes Aurélie Hirtt. Professionals, as well as the people of Lunévillois. "Local businesses funded my mileage, but I also received voluntary donations, more than €800 from people who wanted to support the hospital, its maternity ward, and its pediatrics department."

After three editions of the 24 Hours of Solidarity, this dynamic woman still doesn't know how she'll participate next year. "I'll be in the race, but maybe as a volunteer." In any case, one thing is more certain: other GHEMM colleagues will be running as a team for the 2026 edition!