A radiologist has successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds to improve the care of cancer patients at the hospital where he works.
Dr Praveen Datta, who works for University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, spent eight days hiking through Tanzania to reach the summit of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain at 5,895 meters.
His efforts have so far raised more than £2,300 for the UHNM Charity to help patients at Royal Stoke University Hospital and hopes the figure will pass the £2,500 mark.
He said: “I wanted to do the climb as I have dealt with many cancer patients while doing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures for them and it’s during this period, I realised the crucial role played by the UHNM Charity which spends millions of pounds in additional funding for the UHNM Trust to enhance patient experience and comfort for cancer patients.”
In preparation of the climb, Dr Datta completed months of training including a 10K run and regularly walking the Peak District, Snowdon and Lake District.
He added: “For me, cancer was unforgiving in the case of my beloved mother and more recently a close radiologist friend, while I am lucky in my wife’s case who is free from the disease after successful treatment for the cancer of the ovary in 2018.
“On all these occasions, I came across various doctors, nurses, other members of the staff and different charities working relentlessly but also focusing on the overall experience of the entire family.
“I would like to thank everyone who has donated and supported me through my challenge. It was a difficult climb, but I am so pleased to have completed it. This climb has reinforced my mantra in life about thinking and visualizing long-term, keeping going, and never giving up, even if it is a long road!”
Click this link to donate.
Anyone interested in fundraising for UHNM Charity should visit this website or call 01782 676444.
