Powering from Redditch to Paris for Alex chemotherapy unit (From Redditch Advertiser)
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Powering from Redditch to Paris for Alex chemotherapy unit
8:10am Monday 21st January 2013 in News
Dr Chris Mowatt who cycled 400km to raise funds for the chemotherapy unit at the Alex Hospital.
A CONSULTANT anaesthetist from the Alex Hospital has raised more than £2,000 for charity, by cycling the distance from Redditch to Paris.
Dr Chris Mowatt completed his challenge within the hospital grounds, taking on the 400km journey on cycling an rowing machines inside the League of Friends Coffee Shop at the Alexandra Hospital on Christmas Eve.
Dr Mowatt undertook his challenge in memory of a friend and colleague Tanya Rees, to raise money for the Garden Suite which treats chemotherapy patients, raising an impressive £2,133.
Ms Rees worked as a member of the nursing team on the intensive therapy unit at the Alex, but unfortunately she was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2011, and after a brave fight, passed away late last year.
Dr Mowatt said: “Having witnessed Tanya’s bravery and seen first-hand the fantastic, compassionate care offered by the oncology team at the Alexandra, myself and the team on ITU decided to raise some funds to support Tanya, her family and the Garden Suite.
“Thanks to the fantastic generosity of colleagues and members of the public we managed to raise over £2100, with £700 of this donated by passers-by on the day.
“The challenge itself took 16 hours and considerably longer to recover from. My knees are yet to forgive me. On the plus side I was able to milk the sympathy of my friends and family who kept a ready supply of Christmas goodies coming my way.
“I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you on behalf of myself, the team on ITU and Tanya’s family for the generosity of all those who donated and supported me along the way.”
The nursing staff on ITU, calling themselves ‘Tanya’s Girls’ also raised money for the cause by running half marathons for cancer charities and organised highly successful social events.
Hospital director Frances Martin, added: “We are all really proud of Dr Chris Mowatt and the effort he has gone to, to raise money for our chemotherapy unit. He has demonstrated how our team go the extra mile for our hospital and the care and services we provide here. Well done Chris.”
To donate to Dr Mowatt’s fundraising efforts, visit justgiving.com/redditchtoparis.
