Radiotherapy Department UHNM

Do you want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money in aid of UHNM Charity and every donation will help.

On Sunday 6th October 2024 I will be running the Chester Marathon to raise funds for the RSUH Radiotherapy Department.

Back in June of 2023 my friend Kim was diagnosed with stage four advanced throat cancer and was treated at the Royal Stoke.

I also know that two of my friends and four other ladies that were in my year at school have been using the services of the RSUH radiotherapy department over the last two years.

The cancer unit fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

My training for Chester started on the 15th of July 2024, a twelve week plan consisting of very high mileage throughout this time period. I’ll be writing weekly blogs to keep you all updated.

Please read Kim’s story below.

Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me,my family and friends.

More information about UHNM Charity: We support both hospitals managed by University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust - Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital, Stafford. Thanks to your donations we fund state of the art equipment, new facilities, innovative research and all the extras that make care so special.

Kim’s Story

I’ll never forget the day of my cancer diagnosis. To say it hit me like a freight train would be an understatement.

I am relatively young, don’t smoke, don’t drink much, ate healthily and kept fit.

No matter - Stage four advanced throat cancer was diagnosed(or p16 positive invasive keratinising squamous cell carcinoma if you want the full medical bit !)

And so started a long, painful, difficult journey and the fight of my life.

However, I was not alone.

Along with the support of my amazing hubby Mark who gave up work to care for me and my circle of strong and loving family and friends , whom I’ll never be able to thank enough , I had the team at the RSUH.

Consultants, cancer nurses, dentists, dieticians, chemotherapy nurses, radiographers, general nurses, therapists,receptionists,porters-you name it- they were all there to help me through. Always smiling, always kind, always professional.

And that includes my wonderful friend Jen who is running the chedtet Marathon on Sunday 6th October 2024 to raise funds for the Royal Stoke Radiotherapy Unit and I can’t thank her enough. What an absolute star and tower of strength she is.

When she first announced that she was going to do it , I thought she was going to ask me to do it with her! .

These funds are so desperately needed by our fantastic NHS to help and provide the care needed for cancer patients.

Please give as much or as little as you can. Every single penny counts. So please, please let’s all do what we can to support this life saving service at our local hospital.

You never know when you or one or your family or friends will need them.

My treatment and care are ongoing but we remain positive. Love to you all and thank you in advance