fundraising

Community fundraising remains a very important part of the work of ACT. Many people including staff, patients and the public like to help Addenbrooke's and its associated hospitals by organising or taking part in a fundraising event.

Money can be raised for the hospital general fund, which is disbursed to areas of most need, any department, clinic or ward, or for a specific project.

If you are interested in fundraising please contact Yvonne Francis: yvonne.francis@addenbrookes.nhs.uk, 01223 256163

A fundraiser's story

Susannah Seddon ran the London Marathon 2007 for the Lewin Stroke and Rehabilitation Unit. Here's her story:

"It’s funny how, when you set yourself a personal challenge, things never turn out quite as expected. Running the London Marathon had long been an ambition of mine but, until this year, I’d never had the incentive to actually do it and I never imagined that I’d enjoy myself so much whilst pushing myself to my absolute limit. So when my father had a stroke just before Christmas in 2005 I thought that I could raise money for the Lewin Stroke Unit in Addenbrooke’s to give me that extra bit of motivation I needed. I definitely found that it gave me purpose during the winter training months as I knew that if I gave up I would be letting everyone down who had sponsored me so generously. Friends, family and work colleagues (and even complete strangers!) were so supportive and kind that it really spurred me on.

"Marathon day itself was AMAZING! I’ve been a spectator many times over the years, but the atmosphere on the sidelines doesn’t compare to the feeling you get as a runner. I was incredibly nervous the night before but I’d done my best in the training so knew I just had to relax and enjoy myself, which is so easy to do once you arrive at the start line. Everyone’s in a good mood, you’re all in the same boat and there are just 26.2 miles between you and an immense feeling of personal pride in what you have achieved.

"I can’t lie; the training will be hard, you will probably hurt a lot, you’ll have days when you wonder what on earth you’ve got yourself in for, you’ll be tired and antisocial at times, but you will LOVE it! I enjoyed it so much (and I’m not really an athlete) that I’m definitely going to carry on running and I’m 99% sure I’m going to enter the ballot for 2008. I know, I must be mad.  My enthusiasm clearly rubbed off on my boyfriend (who put up with me at my lowest moments) because he also wants to run next year!  Oh and I’ve never felt fitter and healthier either and people keep telling me how well I look, so the whole thing must have done me some good. Go on, try it. You know you want to!"