Pedal power raises funds for Cromer Hospital

North Norfolk MP and Care Minister Norman Lamb is planning to pedal 100 miles in a sponsored cycle ride around the boundary of his constituency, to raise money for a range of local health charities including Cromer Hospital.

People can sponsor Mr Lamb’s ride, taking place on 23rd and 24th September, by donating cash or cheque directly to the hospital or online at https://www.justgiving.com/CromerHospital/. The hospital is fundraising to purchase a new Ophthalmology laser, to enable more patients to receive specialist eye treatment locally.

The Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is used to improve eye pressure control by gently stimulating a structure inside the eye, called the trabecular meshwork. This removes fluid, thereby reducing the pressure. The power of the laser is very gentle and about six out of ten people will have improved eye pressure control following this procedure. Currently patients requiring SLT treatment, approximately eight per month, travel to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for this treatment. The new laser will allow patients to be treated locally and on the same day as diagnosis if clinically possible.

Helen Lloyd, Operations Manager at Cromer Hospital, said: “We are delighted that Mr Lamb has chosen Cromer Hospital as one of the beneficiaries of his bike ride. Purchasing the new laser will greatly benefit the North Norfolk community.”

Commenting, Norman Lamb said, “One of my highest priorities as Member of Parliament for North Norfolk has been campaigning for better health and care services in our area.

“Here in North Norfolk, we are lucky to have some fantastic local hospitals in North Walsham, Cromer, Holt, and Wells – all of which have active “Friends” charities run by local volunteers who raise money to help improve the care and services they can offer. I am also particularly supportive of the work done by Break Charity in Sheringham supporting children with learning disabilities, and the national mental health charity MIND. I am really pleased to have this opportunity to support such a great set of causes, and the excellent work they do.”

Louise Cook, Fundraising Manager, said: “The sponsorship raised from the bike ride will help us to provide the very best care for local patients and their families in the North Norfolk area. I hope lots of people support Mr Lamb and wish him good luck on his 100 mile bike ride.”

Notes to editors:

Donations to Cromer Hospital can also be made by cheque, payable to ‘Cromer General Fund 850’.