Gainsborough staff swim that extra mile to raise £3,000 for hospital ward

With support from friends and family, nurses from Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust took to the pool to raise money towards the refurbishment of the Scotter Ward palliative care suite, at John Coupland Hospital in Gainsborough.

Speaking about the success of the swim, organiser and clinical educator on Scotter Ward, Donna Phillips said: “When I initially came up the idea, I would have been happy raising £500.

“I never in my wildest dreams thought we would raise this much money.”

The sponsored swim took place on Saturday, April 30 at West Lindsey Leisure Centre and saw eleven swimmers swim a collective 760 lengths- the equivalent of twelve miles.

Donna added: “I am absolutely overwhelmed at the way staff, families and the local community have got behind us on this venture including everyone at West Lindsey Leisure Centre who have all gone out of their way to support us by allowing us to have the pool at a discounted price.

“They have also bought a table of 10 for our next venture, the charity ball in June, also sponsoring a table and donating a substantial raffle prize.”

Certificates of appreciation made by Donna and engraved medals saying ‘I swam the extra mile, 30 April 2016’ were presented by LCHS chief executive Andrew Morgan and Donna to all swimmers on the night.

Donna added: “The enthusiasm, drive, passion and commitment of the swimmers and the supporters to ultimately reach our goal of refurbishing the palliative care suite, to make it more comfortable and personal for the patients and relatives is commendable. It makes me extremely proud to lead this team.”

Donations to all swimmers will remain open until Tuesday, May 31 and can be made at: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/donnaphillips2

CAPTIONS:

NGAS-12-05-15 gainsborough swimmers 1: Swimmers proudly display their certificate.

NGAS-12-05-15 gainsborough swimmers 2: Friends and family of Scotter Ward in the pool.

NGAS-12-05-15 gainsborough swimmers donna: Donna Phillips, organiser and clinical educator, swaps the ward for the pool.

NGAS-12-05-15 gainsborough jenny: Nurse Jenny Stubley gets festive for the event.