More than 60 cyclists aged from three to 81 have raised £3,000 for the Trust’s Orthopaedics Department following a sponsored bike ride in the New Forest.
Organised by the Bournemouth Hospital Charity, the participants opted for a 10, 20, 30 or 60km route. The eldest rider to compete was 81-year old Jon Andrew who completed the 60km route in just over three hours. Jon started cycling at the age of 18 winning his first sprint championship in New Zealand and 63 years later he is still cycling. He personally raised a fantastic £200 for the charity.
The Royal Bournemouth Hospital is one of the largest UK providers for orthopaedic elective procedures, providing high quality comprehensive care for patients with painful bone and joint conditions. The important funds raised from this bike ride will go towards a new hand-held bladder scanner which will ensure comfort and wellbeing for patients after certain orthopaedic surgeries, such as hip or knee replacements, and will reduce the number of unnecessary catheterisations.
During 2012-13, the Orthopaedic Department saw more than 30,000 patients and performed around 8,000 elective surgical procedures. Of these procedures, approximately 1,100 hip and 1,000 knee replacement operations have been carried out.
Lindsey Sturman, Fundraising Manager, said: “We wish to say a big thank you to the cyclists who took part, the bike ride was a huge success.
“The department is extremely delighted at the amount of money raised for the new bladder scanner. These important funds have helped the department with its target to raise £6,000 for the scanner.”
People still have the opportunity to support the Orthopaedic Department and can donate online at www.bournemouthhospitalcharity.co.uk. Please quote ‘orthopaedic bike ride’ in the donation.
The Bournemouth Hospital Charity aims to raise £2m each year to support the patient experience above and beyond what the NHS can afford. Donations to the charity provide the funding for much needed equipment and resources.
