***WE DID IT! 14.09.09***

Sheila and Louisa completed a half marathon each and as they work together in a jobshare arrangement they are rather cheekily counting this as a "Jobshare Marathon".  I finished the marathon without the need to resort to public transport. We would like to thank all those who have supported us throughout our training and an especially big thank you to those who turned out on the day to cheer us on.

 

*** UPDATE 14.07.09***

I am delighted to have been joined in this endeavour by my colleagues Dr Sheila O'Reilly and Dr Louisa Badcock, both of whom will be running the half marathon.

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

I have run half marathons for many years but never stepped up to a full marathon. This year I will attempt my first (and possibly last) marathon on behalf of the Derby Hospital Rheumatology Department. 

I have been a member of the Rheumatology department here for most of the last nine years, the last three as a consultant. It has been a tremendous pleasure and privilege for me to provide care for the people of Derbyshire, and to work alongside a multidisciplinary team made up of  enormousely dedicated and caring colleagues.

We have spent the last two years developing a new musculoskeletal ultrasound service and undertaking training in Newcastle, Nottingham and Belfast. In April 2009, thanks to very kind sponsorship from a leading pharmaceutical company, we purchased our first mainframe ultrasound machine. This will allow us to perform diagnostic ultrasound on patients in clinic, our daycase unit and ward. It can also be use to help facilitate difficult joint aspirations and injections as well as monitoring treatment response.  The next step would be for us to purchase a smaller portable ultrasound machine to allow for a more flexible service within our hospital and also to gradually offer this in our surrounding community hospitals at Ilkeston, Heanor, Ripley, Ashbourne, Swadlincote and in the future Long Eaton. The monies raised will be put towards the purchase of this portable machine.

The development of ultrasound in Derby will enable us to take part in national multicentre research to benefit patients with a wide range of inflammatory joint conditions and connective tissue diseases. We are already involved in a national study to explore the benefits of using ultrasound for patients with Temporal Arteritis.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Derby Hospitals Charitable Trust gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Thank you once again

Nick