Patient Jane Smith, not only won over the hearts and minds of the people of Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire with her incredible London Marathon Challenge, raising a fantastic £6,350 to support MacMillan Cancer Services provided at Hull Hospitals Queen’s Centre, Castle Hill. Jane also received the Spirit of London Marathon Award 2019, presented by Sir John Spurling in a special ceremony last week.
Jane was just one of five inspirational people receiving the Spirit of London Marathon Award, alongside, Scott Mitchell, Barbara Windsor’s husband who inspired cast members of EastEnders to raise more than £4 million towards Dementia Research; Showbiz Editor James Ingham raising funds for various charities taking part in 10 consecutive London Marathons; Dave Heeley who is registered blind and has completed 16 marathons and Helen Williams who has cerebral palsy in all four limbs and a learning disability. More information can be found on each of the runnershttps://www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/en-gb/news-media/latest-news/item/scott-mitchell-receives-spirit-of-the-london-marathon-award/
Jane supported by the WISHH Charity, who raises funds to enhance equipment, facilities and services at Hull Hospitals by providing the “added extras” to improve the experience of patients and families, had the pleasure of teaming up with Jane in her London Marathon Campaign. Taking part in the London Marathon is something Jane had wanted to do since the age of 11 years old. Her childhood dream became a bucket list wish. With the original fundraising target of £1,000 to support the MacMillan and the teams who directly benefit patients living with Cancer. Jane smashed this target due to the generosity of our local community who were inspired by her story.
Jane Smith said, I had an amazing time walking the London Marathon, I am grateful that so many people supported me by donating to my Just Giving Page. Three fantastic MacMillan Nursing Teams and their patients who are living with and beyond cancer, will benefit from the money raised. Myself and my husband are both having cancer treatment and these teams are close to our hearts. We wouldn’t have got this far without their help, and can’t thank them enough. Then to receive the spirit of London Marathon award was so unexpected, it is wonderful way to wrap up my 2019 London Marathon experience.”
Sue Stephenson, Chair of the WISHH Charity and also the High Sheriff of the East Riding of Yorkshire said, “Jane redefines the word inspirational. It was a real privilege to meet Jane and Adrian both of them are remarkable people. The fundraising Jane has done is a fantastic achievement in itself but the back story of how hard she pushed herself against so many odds to even get to the starting line let alone the finish is humbling. An amazing lady who has made a fantastic difference to support patients our hospitals care for. Thank you.”
Claire Smith from the Living With and Beyond Cancer Team said “The funds Jane has raised will support a 12 week exercise and diet programme to help with long term self-management, and to encourage healthy lifestyle choices. The programme gives the patients the tools they need to make long term changes with food and to encourage daily exercise such as walking, gentle exercise, seated exercise, yoga and much more, the course also helps with building confidence, social isolation, low mood and feeling good about yourself after cancer treatment. This will make a positive impact to patients living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis.”
Ward 30 at the Queen’s Centre, Castle Hill Hospital, Sister Ann-Marie Whittall said, Jane’s inspirational story has touched all the nurses on the ward. The funds she has raised will go towards providing items for the comfort of cancer patients the ward cares for to help improve the quality of our patients experience.”
Physiotherapy Team, Jennifer Ajala, MacMillan Specialist Physiotherapist said “Often little things can make such a difference to patients like a hand held fan when breathlessness becomes troubling, a comforting wheat bag to help ease pain and other simple aids to help with everyday activities. Jane’s donation will allow us to buy a selection of non-pharmalogical remedies to improve quality of life for our palliative patients and help us to keep up the care we are so passionate about. Jane’s incredible physical feat and generosity will make a difference to many people, thank you!”
In its first three years, the WISHH Charity has worked with the public to fund a reminiscence cinema for elderly patients in the Department of Elderly Medicine, brightened the Ward 130 environment who care for children, arranged for the donation of a mini Tesla car to take patients to the operating theatre and has purchased two AIRVO machines to help children with breathing problems in A&E.
To find out more and to support the work of the WISHH Charity contact Lisa Whitton, Charity Manager 01482 622299 or Email: lisa.whitton@hey.nhs.uk visit @WISHHCharity on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
