Two colleagues who ran the London Marathon have presented £2,890 to their local hospital’s chemotherapy unit.

Katie Hall and Scott Morton who work JD Sports, raised the amount in aid of ELHT&Me, the charity of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, for the benefit of the Primrose Unit at Burnley General Teaching Hospital.

ELHT&Me launched an appeal for the chemotherapy unit earlier this year to raise £20,000 to support the purchase of a Paxman Cooling System. The machines reduce patient hair loss by wearing a scalp cooling cap during treatment.

They protect the hair follicle from the effects of the concentrated chemotherapy drugs carried in the blood stream and increases the chance of retaining the hair.

Scott said: “I’m old enough to vaguely remember the first London Marathon and I’ve watched it on television every year and promised myself I would one day run it.”

“It really is incredible to finally run your bucket list race. Going over Tower Bridge was the real highlight for me, along with the incredible crowd support.

"It gives me goosebumps thinking about it. I’m so pleased to have been able to complete the London Marathon whilst raising money for Burnley Hospital.”

Katie of Burnley had only ever completed a 10k run.

She said: “I completed the London Marathon in memory of my aunt Lorraine who sadly lost her fight against cancer in 2019.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Scott Morton from Ramsbottom completing the London Marathon

Denise Gee, Head of Charity ELHT&Me, said: “It’s a magnificent achievement to complete the London Marathon and we’re so thankful that these two wonderful people decided to take on this huge challenge on our behalf and fundraise at the same time.

"They’ve exceeded expectations and should be so proud of themselves because we certainly are.”

Katie added: “I have experienced first-hand what a fantastic experience the staff and unit offer.

"Cancer affects so many families and to enhance our local chemotherapy unit is something I am passionate about as it will help local families.”

The fundraising team have now altered the appeal target to £30,000 which will fund a dual patient Paxman Cooling System.

The new target has almost been met and the charity aims to have the new piece of equipment on the unit very soon. 

You can still donate towards the appeal by clicking here