Emergency staff set to boost cancer charity.

A charitable team of staff from the NHS 111 (West Midlands) service are preparing to put their best foot forward in the name of charity when competing in Race for Life.

The 12-strong team will be made up of managers, health advisors and clinicians, all of whom are preparing to tackle the 5km course at Himley Hall on Sunday, July 13th (3pm) to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Leading the team will be Clinical Manager and experienced runner Baljit Watson, for whom the event will carry extra meaning given that she was treated for cancer four years ago. She said: “Race for Life is a great event that raises money for a great cause and I’m so glad to have many of my 111 colleagues running with me. Cancer Research is a charity very close to my heart because I had a major operation four years ago after being diagnosed with cervical cancer and therefore I know the money raised will be going to be a very worthwhile cause.”

Baljit, who has completed the London and Dublin marathons amongst many others, will be joined on the day by colleagues Hayley Morris, Jane Zambra, Sam Slater, Cynthia Clayton, Hayley Simcox, Andrea Reeves, Raji Sahota, Louise Brierley, Mar Bullows, Gillian Mawere and Katherine Bayliss.

“Doing the event together will be great fun and help to build team spirit whilst raising vital money,” Baljit added. “I’m not sure if they’ll all be able to keep up with me, but if any of them drop back, I’ll make sure I get back to them as quickly as possible once I’ve finished to help them over the line.”

NHS 111 Director Daren Fradgley added: “Everybody in the call centre wishes them the best of luck and we look forward to cheering them across the line.
We have held a number of events ahead of the race to boost the fund-raising total which has proved popular with staff whilst helping the fight against cancer at the same time, which is the most important thing.”

If you would like to support the runners, visit www.justgiving.com/wmas-runners/ to donate.