Staff gearing up for cycle ride for MRI IMAGE appeal
Two members of staff at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust (NLaG) are preparing for a cycle ride from Scunthorpe to Grimsby in support of the MRI IMAGE appeal.
Ruth Kent, head of Clinical Sciences at the Trust, and Carol Bond, head of CT/MRI at Grimsby hospital, will be hoping the weather holds out for them when they embark on the 36 mile ride on Saturday 3 October.
So far, they have raised over half of their £800 target set on their JustGiving page.
The Trust has invested in a new MRI suite at Grimsby hospital which is set to open in 2021. As part of this project, the Health Tree Foundation is fundraising to purchase additional, enhanced equipment to make life much easier for the increasing number of people needing an MRI.
The IMAGE appeal is raising funds to improve the experience for patients across Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Goole and the surrounding areas who may feel nervous about going for an MRI scan or may feel anxious or claustrophobic while having a scan.
If successful, it will completely change the MRI experience using screens, lights and sounds to relax and distract nervous patients.
Ruth said: “I cycle quite a lot and I am comfortable with the distance we will be cycling. We are going to head out of Scunthorpe towards Brigg, then out to Great Limber, Keelby, Stallingborough and Great Coates, before heading to Grimsby.
“We will be stopping halfway at a café in Howsham for a bacon buttie and a coffee. If anyone wants to join us, they can do the last eight miles from Keelby or just cheer us on and meet us at the end.
“It would be nice if we could raise £1,000 towards the IMAGE appeal as it will really make a difference to patients.”
Carol added: “The most I had ever cycled was 14 miles up until a couple of weeks ago. I am feeling apprehensive and excited about the ride and I am hoping the weather stays nice for us!
Every year, hundreds of people, young and old, need to undergo MRI scans. MRI is one of the most common imaging exams but presents a challenge for many patients. Anyone who has been through this will tell you it can be a daunting time. For some, the MRI experience causes feelings of stress, fear, anxiety and claustrophobia, meaning that unfortunately many scans have to be abandoned. For others, their fear is so acute that sedation or a general anaesthetic is required.
Katie Hubbert, Grimsby community champion for the Health Tree Foundation (HTF), said: “I am delighted that Ruth and Carol are doing this bike ride to raise money for a very important appeal. We still have a long way to go but every little helps!”
To sponsor Ruth and Carol, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/carol-bond2
