Good causes at our hospital were winners as thousands of pounds was raised at this year’s Asda Foundation Grand East Anglian Run (GEAR) and Mini GEAR.
Family and friends from the Marshland St James area ran as a thank you for the treatment which Leigh Arlington (49) received here after being diagnosed with breast cancer last September.
Husband Steve completed the 10k GEAR course along with the couple’s daughters Sharntelle and Demi-Lee, Demi-Lee’s partner Richard Crosbie, Craig Arlotte (brother of Sharntelle’s partner, Stuart Arlotte), Michelle Kemp, Mark Dicks, Daniel Wagg and Trevor Davis. Meanwhile, Stuart did the 1.2-mile Mini GEAR with his and Sharntelle’s seven-year-old son, Dale.
The group raised money online and had collection tins at the family business, Marshland Service Centre, and a supplier, Motor Parts Direct in Enterprise Way, King’s Lynn.
Leigh Arlington said: “Everybody finished and had a lovely time – the atmosphere was fantastic.
“Our crowdfunding page (www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sharntelle-arlington) is still open for a few more days. Once it’s all added up we should have around the £3,000 mark.”
The money is going to the West Norfolk Breast Cancer Care Unit’s charitable fund.
Team QEH Diabetes was five staff members who raised more than £1,700 for the hospital’s diabetes charitable trust fund, which helps pay for items for which there is no budget, such as continuous blood glucose monitoring equipment and external venues and resources for group support events.
Team member Stacy Metcalfe said: “It was very hot but we all managed to get round the course in times between 60 and 85 minutes. There was a great atmosphere on the day and the crowd helped with the last few kilometres.
“We have had so much great support both before the event and during the day and people have been so generous with their donations.
“On reflection, I think we may all have secretly enjoyed it and we may even be tempted to run again next year!”
Kind-hearted sisters Emily Ballantyne (12), Callie-May Edwards-Ballantyne (11), and Lily Edwards-Ballantyne (8) raised about £150 for our Wheely Big Appeal to fund the purchase of 30 new indoor wheelchairs.
The King’s Lynn trio completed the 1.2-mile course in 11:28mins.
Mum Nicola Ballantyne said the sweltering conditions proved to be no problem for the girls.
She added: “They got on absolutely fine and were really pleased with themselves. They supported each other and had a lot of people cheering them on.”
The QEH is very grateful for all fundraisers’ efforts.
—ENDS—
Main photo caption: Team QEH Diabetes are (from left) Vicki Brindle, Natasha Salawu, Sarah Jordan, Stacy Metcalfe and Elizabeth Laws.
To download the press release and images click here
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