A team of twelve runners from The Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust Charity took part in this year’s Great Birmingham Run to raise money to support local cancer patients in Birmingham and Solihull.

The majority of the runners who took part in the 13.1 mile half-marathon, did it for the 19for19 campaign, raising money for Ward 19 at Heartlands Hospital. This unit treats patients suffering from blood cancers. Another runner was raising money towards the respiratory unit which treats patients with breathing difficulties from across the region.

The 19for19 campaign has been organised by Solihull Barons Ice Hockey Captain, Rob Eley as part of his testimonial year before he retires at the end of the season. Rob has decided to raise money for Ward 19 as his wife Catherine recently finished treatment there.

Rob said: “Since my wife Catherine was admitted for treatment a second time, I was able to witness for myself the dedication and passion of the staff working on Ward 19 cancer ward at Heartlands Hospital. They work tirelessly every day to make the experience of their patients as comfortable as possible throughout an indescribably scary time.”

The head of fundraising for Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust Charity, Emma Hale, said: “We’re so grateful to all the runners who took part in aid of the charity this year. We’ve had a great response and been able to raise a lot of money for great causes across the hospitals we support. I’d like to thank each of the runners on behalf of the Charity and the Trust and congratulate them on completing the run. I hope they continue to help us make our hospitals even better.”

To find out more about the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust Charity please visit www.heartofenglandcharity.org.uk or about the 19for19campaign, please visit www.heartofenglandcharity.org.uk/19for19.

Published: 21/10/15