Fiona’s abseil challenge is a thank you to NNUH
Fundraiser Fiona Haystead has a very good reason for tackling an abseil challenge at The Forum in Norwich for she is raising money for the Boudicca Breast Cancer Appeal as a ‘thank you’ for care she has received.
She will be undertaking the abseil on 22 June alongside TV presenter Becky Jago, members of Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital staff and the public.
Fiona, from Smallburgh, said: “I’m doing the abseil to give a little something back because of the fantastic care and treatment I received at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
“I was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer two-and-a-half years ago. If it wasn’t for the quick response and treatment which I received mine and my family’s life would have had a totally different outlook.
“I feel very humble and very, very lucky to be here today,” she added. “In doing this charity abseil and raising some money for this fantastic cause, I know it will help so many more people who are facing, or going to face, cancer in the future.”
Fiona was part of a breast screening programme offered to women under 50 and that is when the cancer was detected.
Now 51, Fiona states how crucial it is to be checked. “It’s so important to go for breast screening,” she said. “It could be the most important decision of your life.”
Anyone who wishes to sponsor Fiona’s abseil can go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/nnuhabseil and click on her name in the abseilers’ list to link with her fundraising page.
The abseil event is being run by the N&N Hospitals Charity at The Forum on Saturday 22 June to help raise £800,000 for the Boudicca Appeal to fund a dedicated breast cancer unit, which will improve care for more patients at NNUH.
The unit is where patients will have the necessary images taken, undergo a biopsy and see their consultant in one appointment. Currently, not all patients are provided with this same-day diagnosis service because of limited capacity in the existing facility.
The appeal passed the £100,000 mark in four months thanks to the generosity of fundraisers and there are other Boudicca Appeal events planned, including a special fundraising ball taking place in November at the Assembly House organised by the Rotary Clubs of Norwich.
Louise Cook, Head of Fundraising, said: “We are really grateful to everyone who has supported the appeal so far.
“The new breast care centre will make a real difference to the experience which thousands of patients have each year when receiving care, so we would encourage anyone who is thinking of doing some fundraising to please consider supporting Boudicca in any capacity.”
Anyone who would like to find out more can call the N&N Hospitals Charity on 01603 287107, visit www.nnuh.org.uk or donate directly at www.justgiving.com/campaign/boudicca