Charity run to raise cash for Doncaster hospital ward

Vicky Riddle who works at Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust donated the cash as a way to show her appreciation for the care that her father David Southgate, who was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, received.

David Southgate, Vicky’s father, was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in August of 2018. Having undergone diagnostic tests, the Doncaster resident was then placed under the care of the Chatsfield Suite, a highly specialised service which provides chemotherapy for day-case haematology and solid tumour malignancies He received his treatment there from September 2018 up until January 2019, and then again from July 2020 to November 2020.

As a way to show her appreciation for the care that her father has received, Vicky planned to complete the Doncaster 10k in November with friends and family sponsoring her efforts and all funds being donated to the NHS service. Unfortunately, due to the challenges posed by Covid-19 and the resulting restrictions, the run was cancelled.

Undeterred, the Norton resident drew up her own 10k course, starting on her doorstep and safely passing through Smeaton and Walden Stubbs before returning. With the support of relatives and other well-wishers, Vicky set-up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page and, in the process, raised an incredible £1,000.

On Tuesday 22 December, Vicky and dad, David, visited Doncaster Royal Infirmary with a cheque made out to Chatsfield Suite. Speaking about her fundraiser, Vicky said: “Since 2018, my dad has received fantastic care from the team within the Chatsfield Suite. I wanted to do something to show my family’s appreciation, and I thought the Doncaster 10k would be a good way to raise money as well as take part in the event. While it was unfortunately cancelled, it gave me the opportunity to get creative, with friends and family supporting me every step of the way. I want to thank every single person who sponsored me – I hope the money will be put to good use, helping patients going through their own cancer journeys.”

Donations to the Chatsfield suite are used to fund those little extras, which mean the centre can offer services and comforts beyond care and treatment. In the past, donations have been used to renovate a breakaway room for patients and visitors, to purchase iPads to entertain patients during long treatment sessions such as chemotherapy, and to have a councillor and wig fitter on site for patients to access easily.

Lara Cunnane-Reay, Sister on the Chatsfield Suite, said: “On behalf of the team, I cannot thank Vicky and David enough for this wonderful donation. This has been a tough year for everyone, but within the NHS we have been blown away by the support shown to us by our local communities. Donations like the one raised by Vicky mean that we can offer our patients more than just treatment, we can offer them a place to come where they feel comfortable and extra support to help them through tough times.”