Chesterfield Royal Hospital nurses need your help for epic cancer charity challenge

Caring nurses from Chesterfield Royal Hospital (CRH) are taking on a gruelling challenge to help tackle the devastating impact of lung cancer in our communities.
Tim Paget
By Tim Paget
Published 14th Feb 2020, 17:00 BST
Updated 17th Feb 2020, 11:00 BST
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The team of 12 nurses from the Royal’s Markham Ward say the shocking number of lung cancer cases among former miners in north Derbyshire has spurred them into action.

More than 225 newly diagnosed cases of the disease are reported to the Calow hospital every year.

MORE: Chesterfield pub could be bulldozed for homes

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Chesterfield Royal nurses, back row, from left, Charlotte Rodgers, Daryl Pritchard, Sara Beghini, Holly McLean, Dawn Edwards, Donna Ingram, Samantha Cavanagh. Front, Laura Wagstaffe and Angelie Bailey.Chesterfield Royal nurses, back row, from left, Charlotte Rodgers, Daryl Pritchard, Sara Beghini, Holly McLean, Dawn Edwards, Donna Ingram, Samantha Cavanagh. Front, Laura Wagstaffe and Angelie Bailey.
Chesterfield Royal nurses, back row, from left, Charlotte Rodgers, Daryl Pritchard, Sara Beghini, Holly McLean, Dawn Edwards, Donna Ingram, Samantha Cavanagh. Front, Laura Wagstaffe and Angelie Bailey.

The nurses have decided to support Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and the hospital by taking part in the National Three Peaks Challenge in June.

Ward sister Dawn Edwards said: “We chose to support the foundation not only for the work it does in raising awareness of lung cancer and the support it gives our patients but also for our ward matron Vicky Turner.

“Vicky lost her father to lung cancer and received support from the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, so she's passionate about supporting the charity.

“Vicky's dad was a life-long resident of Chesterfield and received his care at CRH as do many of our friends and relatives when they become ill so it’s nice to give something back to their charity.”

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The Three Peaks Challenge is an ascent of Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon – the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales – in 24 hours.

“Some of us enjoy hiking so the national three peaks was suggested and then we just kind of went with it,” Dawn said.

“We've been arranging training days when we have days off together, we've done some challenging walks already such as Kinder Scout in Edale and Pen-y-ghent in North Yorkshire but the hard work continues.

“We're excited but a bit apprehensive, there are a lot of variables to worry about such as the weather, fitness levels and travelling times, we still haven't even got transport there yet!”

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The nurses taking part are Dawn, Holly McLean, Laura Wagstaffe, Charlotte Rodgers, Zoe Sludds, Rehana Lacey, Angelie Bailey, Donna Ingram, Sara Beghini, Daryl Pritchard, Corrine Robinson and Samantha Cavanagh.

To support the team, visit their Gofundme page to donate.

Related topics:Chesterfield Royal HospitalDerbyshire