THE phenomenal fundraising efforts of two close friends from North Yorkshire – Alex Brading and Fiona Saxby – has boosted the Friarage Hospital’s MRI scanner appeal by a mammoth, £31,951.50
The kind-hearted duo have both lost close family and friends to cancer and this was an opportunity to do something as a tribute to them all.
In Fi’s case, it was also the chance to recognise and thank the staff treating her at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton and The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, for their tremendous effort, care and dedication.
Alex, from the village of Wath, near Thirsk, chose to help the scanner appeal when she found out how much money needed to be raised and how beneficial it will be.
Fiona, also from Wath, has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and the use of the MRI scanner at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, has been critical in her diagnosis and ongoing treatment, but an MRI scanner in Northallerton would help many local people.
Alex, bravely had her head shaved at The Hair Company in Ripon (who kindly waived the charge) surrounded by family and friends. Fi is losing her hair too, but at a slower rate! Alex also raised further funds by giving up alcohol for the month of February.
She donated her hair to The Little Princess Trust which provides real hair wigs and hair pieces to children who suffer hair loss due to cancer treatment.
Alex said: “It’s very humbling to accompany Fi, cancer does not discriminate. A new scanner at the Friarage would prevent people having to travel as far and allow them to receive treatment nearer to home. It will also help people’s recovery rate if they can be seen quicker. We just want to keep going and doing everything we can to help raise more money.”
Judith Masterman, from the appeal’s team said: “A big thank you to Fiona and Alex and everyone who generously made a donation. This fantastic amount will make a real difference and provide a massive boost to the scanner appeal total.”
To help with Fiona and Alex’s fundraising for the scanner appeal you can make a donation via their Just Giving site https://www.justgiving.com/alexbrading.