TWO former patients have gone above and beyond to raise thousands of pounds to the hospital that treated them.
Cheryl Heard, who is also a member of staff at the hospital, and Owen Clark, both ran the London Marathon on October 3 last year to raise money for Dorset County Hospital (DCH).
Cheryl, who is also a member of staff at the hospital, raised more than £3,000 for the DCH Chemotherapy Appeal and Owen was fundraising for the Cardiac Unit.
She said: “I was very happy to support the Chemotherapy Appeal as it’s so close to my heart. In 2018 I needed Chemotherapy and started my chemo journey. The nurses were amazing, they made me feel ‘normal’, gave advice on groups to attend for various therapies and how I could feel better about myself. From where I was sitting it was all about the care of the patient and their wellbeing.
“I have great support from family, friends and colleagues and an amazing partner who has been through everything with me. Knowing I had secured my marathon place, he applied and was accepted to run for a charity in the London marathon, so we did this together.
“I continue to receive support from the Chemotherapy unit so I will support them by raising money for a very worthy cause.”
Owen, who raised almost £1,500 for the Cardiac Unit said: “I'm fundraising to say a huge thank you for the excellent care I received at Dorset County Hospital in 2018 after being diagnosed with a serious heart condition. Thanks to the amazing consultants and specialist nurses on the Cardiology Unit I was soon back at home with my wife and son, plus my newly fitted pacemaker!
"The support I have received has meant I've made a full recovery and I'm now able to continue enjoying my hobbies of running, cycling and triathlons.
“The money we raise together will assist the charity to enhance the care and comfort of patients by providing funds for new facilities and medical equipment.”
In December 2021 DCH Charity announced that the £850,000 target for the Chemotherapy Appeal had been reached. The appeal is funding the complete redevelopment of the Fortuneswell Chemotherapy Unit at the hospital. Work is expected to start later this year.
For information on how to support Dorset County Hospital email charity@dchft.nhs.uk or visit www.dchcharity.org.uk
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