James' page
James Mackonochie is raising money for Royal Free Charity
Story
Hello all
I have chosen to run the London Marathon for the Royal Free Charity. The hospital has played a major role in my life and I am sure many of you as well. The reason I would like to support the charity at the hospital is because I believe that the staff are truly amazing and I wanted to give something back to the hospital. Below is a brief overview of the way that the Royal Free has touched my life over the years:
"On Monday 23rd November 1981 I first met the wonderful staff of the Royal Free and in fact I first met the world at large as it was the day that I was born. It is strange how where you were born always has a hold over you but from that point on I always felt linked to the Royal Free and that link only strengthened over time. My first trip to the Royal Free came when I was about 2 after I feel off my sofa at home and managed to dislocate my shoulder, I remember very little about that first trip but I am sure I was well looked after.
Whilst I was growing up I unfortunately spent quite a bit of time visiting my Mum at the Royal Free whilst she was being treated for bouts of breast cancer. Everyone at the hospital was truly wonderful to my Mum and took care of her with the love and compassion that we as a family will never forget. She was probably not the best of patients as she was a doctor herself and not great at sitting still. I always remember her being told off by the nurses after they heard hoovering in the middle of the night around the ward. My Mum had been awake and unable to sleep so took it upon herself to do a bit of late night cleaning... My Mum always told me that the care she received from the Royal Free was wonderful and the treatment helped to extend her life way beyond her expectations.
I carried on having numerous trips to the Royal Free, mainly to A&E for sporting injuries, and lived close by so always felt the reassuring presence of such a great hospital on my door step. However, three years ago I again got much better acquainted with the Royal Free. My wife was diagnosed with a major blood clot after an operation that she had whilst out of the UK. She was taken to Royal Free A&E and the staff at the hospital did all they could to make her feel comfortable. Every day a volunteer would bring around tea and coffee to the patients and visitors. This amazing lady was able to make my wife smile and laugh again and she was a ray of sunshine in an otherwise miserable time. The Royal Free volunteer also made my wife's Mum feel more relaxed as she would chat to her whilst she was visiting. This amazing lady helped all of us through this difficult time. After a tough two weeks or so and a couple of procedures, a bout of MRSA and many cups of tea my wife was discharged to recuperate. It was a difficult time but once again the wonderful staff at the Royal Free were there to guide us through it and the Royal Free charity helps to coordinate these volunteers who make all the differences to the patients."
Please support the Royal Free to continue to help their patients and their patient's loved ones. Supporting the Royal Free Charity will help with some of the following areas:
Additional medical equipment such as scanners, monitors and Accuvein Machines (which makes taking blood an easier process in children & those with small veins minimizing infection risk).
Additional services such as dementia companions, volunteer support and Massage Therapy which help reduce stress and anxiety.
Enhanced environment in the hospital, such as sensory equipment, patient day rooms, relative’s rooms and therapy gardens.
Research funding to enable earlier diagnosis and advanced treatment for conditions such as cancer, scleroderma and NETs.
Many thanks for all of your support
James