Personal reasons for running for Star Appeal (From Salisbury Journal)

Personal reasons for running for Star Appeal

10:10am Saturday 3rd October 2009 in News By Kirsty Barton

FOR some people, taking part in the Tidworth 10k or 3k race for Salisbury District Hospital’s Stars Appeal isn’t just about running and completing it in a certain time.

Many people who take part have personal reasons for supporting the appeal and saying a big thank you to staff at the hospital.

Sara Bossom, from Pitton, took up running when she was 49 after being diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2006 and going through a lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction and six weeks of radiotherapy.

“Staff at the hospital provided such excellent care during this difficult time and continue to do so,” she said.

“This run is a way for me to thank them for what they have done for me. In particular, I would like to thank Shirley, the breast care nurse specialist and staff in the Radiology Department who are always so kind when I have scans and mammograms.”

Donna Martin, from Sixpenny Handley, will be thinking of her 10-year-old twin boys Jordan and Jaya, as both had surgery at the hospital, and Sophie Kowalewski is running for her nan Marjorie, who spent six weeks on the Winterslow ward with a fractured hip.

“The ward is incredibly busy and demanding and the nurses work so hard to care for each and every patient,” said Sophie.

“Taking part in this event is my way of saying thank you to the nurses for the fantastic care they have shown my nan.”

Grateful patients and relatives aren’t the only ones who are running for the hospital – staff members also want to get involved.

Lou Pitman, a pharmacist at the hospital for more than five years, has been the specialist pharmacist for paediatrics since February 2008 and said working with children is very rewarding.

“I am taking part in the Tidworth 10K because I know what a difference the new children’s unit is going to make to the patients and their families,” she said.

“Having a sick child is a huge worry and to provide a friendly, welcoming environment with modern facilities for them to stay in will greatly improve the whole patient experience.”

Stars appeal director Dave Cates said: “The special reasons highlighted by some of the runners for taking part in this year’s Tidworth 10k show how important the hospital is to the local community.

“Projects funded by the Stars Appeal make a real difference and money raised at events like the Tidworth 10K is crucial to our goals.”