News

Six Durham University doctors run race for charity

(26 August 2009)

Dr Marina Sawdon (far right) and team of colleagues

Academics from Durham University’s Queen’s Campus, Stockton, are set to take part in the Great North Run next month to raise money for charity.

Dr Marina Sawdon, a lecturer in Durham’s School of Medicine and Health, inspired her colleagues to run with her in memory of Marina's mother who died from cancer last year. Marina, who hails from Thornaby, will be joined by her fellow colleagues, Drs Fiona Curtis, Simon Forrest, Leo Donnelly, Debra Patten and Andrew Chaytor. The six doctors are set to tackle the 13.1-mile run on September 20, in aid of the Butterwick Hospice in Stockton where mother, Judy Massey, was taken care of. Judy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the end of 2007 and given weeks to live. Determined to fight the disease she underwent two different types of chemotherapy but sadly lost her battle in June 2008, just seven months later. The hospice provided essential care and a home from home environment for Judy, as well as offering indispensable support for family and friends. Marina said: “The Hospice offers such an important service to those with cancer and also to their families. The care they gave my mum for the short time she was there meant so much to us.“ Together, the group will take on the half-marathon along with 52,000 other participants. Marina said: “I have never run more than 3 miles before, so this will be a massive achievement for me.” Marina hopes to raise £1000 for the Butterwick Hospice, a charity which relies solely on donations. If you would like to support Marina’s efforts, you can visit her fundraising website at www.justgiving.com/durhamunidoctors/.

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