Walkers say 'join us to help out hospitals' (From Oxford Mail)

Walkers say 'join us to help out hospitals'

6:11pm Wednesday 19th August 2009 in Search

A TEAM of hospital volunteers is urging people to take a walk in the park this autumn.

The team, who volunteer at the John Radcliffe and Churchill hospitals in Headington, Oxford, will be taking part in the three-mile It’s Not Just a Walk in the Park! on Sunday, October 18.

The event, which is being hosted by BBC Radio Oxford’s Wesley Smith, will raise money for both the Oxford Cancer Centre and Oxford Heart Centre, which are due to open later this year.

Former nurse Jenny Rothery, 63, from Garsington, was one of 450 people who helped raise more than £30,000 by taking part in last year’s event in University Parks.

She said: “I know from my own family how prevalent cancer and heart disease are.

“My mother had a heart attack a few years ago and now she has bladder cancer, so this walk is incredibly important to me.

“I took part last year with a group of family and friends and there was an incredibly special atmosphere as people of all ages and abilities joined together. It was very supportive and emotional as people swapped stories and experiences as they walked the three miles.”

Lulu Belcher, in her 90s, of Garsington, helps the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Trust’s fundraising team with paperwork.

Her late husband was treated for prostate cancer at the Churchill Hospital more than 30 years ago.

She said: “He was very well cared for, but medicine has moved on so much since then.

“Events like these that help patients are really important to me. This is just another thing I can do which makes me feel useful.

“I don’t think age should be a barrier and I love knowing I am helping other people. If I can do it I think anyone can.”

Graham Brogden, head of community fundraising at the ORH, said money raised at the event would help pay for equipment and small things to make life at the two centres more comfortable for patients.

Entry is £7.50 for adults, but children under 16 can walk for free.

All participants are asked to try to raise £50 or more in sponsorship money.

Anyone interested in taking part should call 01865 743443.