Gosport’s Gillian gearing up for July’s Walk for Wards charity fundraiser
A former patient at Queen Alexandra Hospital (QA) is gearing up to take part in a charity event to thank ‘courageous’ staff.
58-year-old Gillian Simmons was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and wants to give back to the hospital staff by taking part in Portsmouth Hospitals Charity’s Walk for Wards event this July.
“I was diagnosed with cancer in my tonsils, which progressed to my lymph node. Things moved very quickly after that, and I was given a treatment plan which consisted of six weeks of radiotherapy. The pain and discomfort that followed was challenging to say the least, but I was lucky as I had my loving family around me.
“Every day I would turn up for my treatment, walk into oncology and be greeted by a lovely nurse that would always make cheery conversation. Even though the nurses would change, they would still somehow make you feel special by remembering those little things about you to chat about,” said Gillian.
The Gosport resident will be walking 7.5km round Staunton Country Park to raise money for the Cancer Services department at QA Hospital.
“The whole team at the hospital were amazing. I personally could not do their job, but I am so glad that they have the kindness and courage to deal with cancer on a day-to-day basis. I’m taking part in the event to say thank you in some small way.” Gillian added.
Walk for Wards is taking place on Sunday 9 July at Staunton Country Park. Registration for the event is from 9:30am on the day, with the walk starting at 10am. Tickets are available for £12 through the charity’s website, here: https://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/charity/events/Walk-for-Wards-2023.htm
And if you would like to support Gillian’s fundraising efforts directly, go online to her JustGiving page, here: https://tinyurl.com/2tw2n356.