As part of The BEACH Appeal, nine NHS colleagues and their loved ones displayed incredible determination by running University Hospitals Dorset’s first-ever half marathon. Together, they raised an impressive £1,799 for an additional CT scanner in the new BEACH Building at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
On Sunday 30 June 2024, the runners embarked on a challenging over 13-mile run symbolising the hospitals uniting as University Hospitals Dorset in 2020.
The team started in Bournemouth at Littledown Entre before weaving along scenic routes to the Jazz Cafe in Sandbanks. They triumphantly crossed the finish line at the Poole Park fountain under sunny skies.
The funds raised by these dedicated runners and their supporters will contribute to the purchase of an additional CT scanner, costing £800,000.
While NHS funds will cover the cost of one CT scanner, having an additional machine will greatly benefit patients across Dorset and our surrounding regions as it will significantly reduce waiting times in the Emergency Department.
Having a second state-of-the-art CT scanner will enable staff to scan, diagnose and treat an estimated additional 13-15,000 patients every year.
It will also minimise scan delays and cancellations, reduce overnight admissions and optimise the time of porters transporting patients across University Hospitals Dorset facilities.
University Hospitals Dorset Foundation Trust director of operations, Sarah Macklin, was excited to take part in this first half marathon challenge, feeling the route was “symbolic of us coming together as a team to run from Bournemouth to Poole”.
Sarah said: “It started with a small group, but it felt like we were laying the groundwork for an even bigger event and celebration next year. So, if you’re a Couch to 5km runner, you have plenty of time to practice!
“Our donations from this event will fund a new CT scanner for University Hospitals Dorset’s new Emergency Department, providing access to faster treatment for patients coming through the doors of the BEACH Building.
“Crossing the UHD Half Marathon’s finish line with a friend who received treatment with us and wanted to give back, and my son was a special moment for me, and I’m excited to see how the event grows to involve more of our dedicated NHS colleagues and highlight our exceptional services across UHD along the running route.”
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity community fundraiser, Janine Golding, said: “I was absolutely thrilled and immensely thankful to see these nine runners who went the extra mile in our hospital’s first-ever half marathon!
“Seeing our NHS colleagues and their loved ones rallying together to help transform care for our community was beyond inspiration. This remarkable commitment will make a real and tangible difference in enhancing care across Dorset, and I can’t thank them enough for their exceptional effort and generosity!”
We can’t create a brighter future for our community without the help and generosity of dedicated individuals coming together across Dorset, like our UHD Half Marathon runners. Join us in making a difference for the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity by backing The BEACH Appeal today.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or first-time runner, there is an event or challenge out there perfect for you, such as the Run Bournemouth Half Marathon, 10km or 5km challenges.
Every step and penny fundraised will directly contribute to enhancing care within the BEACH Building in the future, enabling us to purchase additional items like a second CT scanner.
Visit the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity website to find out more about how you can get involved and support this crucial initiative.