Cancer survivor inspires fundraising challenges

AN ‘inspirational’ cancer patient teamed up with her colleagues, family and friends to raise £4,763 for the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity.

Elizabeth McGibbon, of Wath-Upon-Dearne in Rotherham, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in November 2017 after finding a lump in her breast.

Despite her ordeal, the 31-year-old has spent the last 10 months fundraising for the Charity to thank colleagues on Ward A6 who cared for her and the Willow Foundation, which funds special experiences for people living with serious illness.

Elizabeth said: “The support I’ve received has been overwhelming and we’ve been lucky enough to raise far more than we ever thought we would.  Fundraising gave me a good distraction whilst I was undergoing chemotherapy and it really gave me something to focus on.

“I wanted to do it to thank the nurses and doctors at Rotherham Hospital who have been like family to me since I was diagnosed. They made visiting hospital for treatment more bearable and they we’re such a great support network.”

Liz’s friends Kay Humphreys and Emma Fawcett kicked off fundraising activities with a daring skydive on 27 April at Langar Airfield in Nottingham.

Fundraisers could also bet on virtual horses at a race night at Brampton Bierlow Parish Hall on 9 June, where a raffle and silent auction also boosted their fundraising pot.

Liz’s fiancé Matt Mulcahy, plus Jamie Dunn, Jonathan Thorns, Graham McGibbon, Chris Hey, Grant Cusworth and Richie Tuttil all completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on 16 June. The team coped with torrential rain to climb Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in 10 hours.

Liz added: “The race night was my favourite event because my friends, family and work colleagues were all there and it was a great chance to celebrate me getting the all clear from cancer.”

Liz’s supportive employers at Safestyle UK also generously donated £2,500 to Liz’s good causes.

Maxine Henshaw, HR Advisor at Safestyle UK in Barnsley, said: “The way Liz has handled her condition is such an inspiration and helping her through that journey has been an honour for us. We’re so grateful to everyone who has cared for Liz and it’s wonderful to see her back at work.

“Safestyle contributes to many good causes as part of our corporate social responsibilities. Last year we asked colleagues at Barnsley what good causes they wanted to see the company support in 2018 and they unanimously voted for the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity, which we are delighted to do.”

All the money raised for the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity will be spent on resources, equipment and the added extras which ensure cancer patients receive the best possible care at Rotherham Hospital.

Barry Mellor, Chair of the Charitable Funds Committee, said: “We’re always humbled to see how much time, effort and imagination goes into fundraising for the Charity and the events hosted by Liz, her family, friends and colleagues at Safestyle UK Logistics are really inspirational.

“We’re looking forward to working with Liz and Trust colleagues to ensure all the money raised is invested in the comfort and care of our patients in future.”

For more information about the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity please contact Suzanne Rutter on 01709 426821

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