Spinal team to take on epic charity challenge
An intrepid spinal surgery team from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital will be taking part in an epic challenge this summer in a bid to purchase equipment which will improve the lives of patients with scoliosis and other spinal deformities.
The week-long endurance challenge, taking place during June and during Scoliosis Awareness Month, will see the team traveling by water, land and by bike.
They will start off travelling by river from Norwich to as close to the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston as possible, followed by walking the North Norfolk coast path to Cromer, stopping at Cromer Hospital, on to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn and finishing with a cycle along the Rebellion Way back to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Consultant Spinal Surgeon Tom Marjoram said: “We hope to raise funds to purchase a Low Dose X-ray Imaging System which has the ability to acquire images with a 70% reduction in radiation exposure. This is especially important in children who are more vulnerable to radiation exposure, especially to the abdomen and pelvis.”
“It also allows images to be taken in one picture rather than having to stitch them together, which reduces the chance of errors and increases measurement accuracy.”
The machine can also be used to image other parts of the body so will have a much wider impact than just the spine.
Tom said: “This system will help to reduce waiting times for diagnostic imaging and will mean that patients who require regular repeat scanning, especially from childhood, will receive lower doses of radiation across their lifetime, reducing the possibility of long-term harm that comes from radiation exposure, while providing improved diagnostic accuracy that will enhance surgical planning.”
“The system costs around £800,000 and every penny that you are able to donate will help towards that total.”
Scoliosis is the abnormal curvature of the spine and it affects millions of people worldwide, posing unique challenges that require attention and support. This condition can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender, and can impact a person’s posture, mobility and overall quality of life.
If you would like to support the team, or even join them in the challenge, email charity@nnuh.nhs.uk
Make a donation to the appeal at https://www.justgiving.com/team/nnuhspine