PRESS RELEASE: RUNNER FUNDRAISES TO THANK LOCAL NHS HEROES

Published: 15 March 2021

The sister-in-law of a member of staff from the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) at Bassetlaw Hospital has donned her running shoes to raise money for the service as a ‘thank you’ for their hard work and dedication over the last twelve months.

Becky Sprowell, from Carlton in Lindrick near Worksop, wanted to show her appreciation to the team, including her brother-in-law Owen, a Charge Nurse on the Unit, who, alongside the team, has been working so hard on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic.

Becky’s initial fundraise started when the dance school she helps to run raised £200 by designing t-shirts. Having caught the fundraising bug, the local resident decided to carry on and ran a half marathon in February with the aim of gaining sponsorships. In total, Becky ran 13 miles with the finish line at Bassetlaw Hospital where staff from ITU were there to greet her with cheers and banners.

Becky to date has raised £3,300 and has purchased a range of items for staff including socks, bags and a hoody for each member of the team which has printed on it the words Bassetlaw ITU, with a rainbow logo, and each staff members’ name. Becky has also purchased a television for the staff room and is hoping any additional funds will be spent on the relative’s room.

Becky was also inspired to do the running following the death of a close friend from Covid-19. Becky, said: “I wanted to be able to do something to thank all the wonderful staff who have worked so hard and are still doing so during this pandemic. They are total heroes and no one will forget what they have done for us all.”

Leeanna Webster, ITU Ward Manager, said: “We’re really touched Becky has raised such a large amount for the team. It means a lot to our staff to know they have so much support from our local communities which we have seen so much off over the course of the last twelve months.”

If you wish to support Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital’s Charity, please go to dbth.nhs.uk/charity to download a fundraising pack or email dbth.charity@nhs.net to find out how you can get involved.