Which charity to support?

Well for Janie it had to be cancer related and for Pat it had to be for Cornwall. A chance meeting with Pat and Helen Hough, Chairman of the 'Friends of Royal Cornwall Hospital' led to a discussion about their chosen project for 2006. The radiology department at RCH Treliske has identified a need for a CT head scanner to be based in the Accident and Emergency Department of the hospital. At present they have whole body state of the art CT scanners but they are heavily used with long waiting lists and can only be operated bys specialist radiographers during restricted hours. The new machine would concentrate specifically on head related problems, be available 24 hours and be operable by any radiographer on duty.

Janie and Pat with Helen Hough, Chairman of the 'Friends of Royal Cornwall Hospital'

It will be used in the diagnosis of RTA head injuries, meningitis in children, brain tumours and strokes. Apparently early diagnosis of stroke victims is crucial and curable if the patient is seen within 3 hours - sadly rarely achievable with the present situation. We decided there and then that this project ticked all our boxes and most importantly - NOBODY in Cornwall (or our visitors) can say that they might never need it during their lifetime.

So, we're off, with help from Ricci, owner of the Bike Chain shop at Redruth, we are kitted out with suitable, clothes, excellent bikes, wonder food and drink to stop us collapsing in heaps and a 3 hour per day training schedule. It is amazing the jobs there are to be done to raise funds and we would be grateful for any offers of help - just your time for a few hours in the most essential item.

The Ball

A 1000 mile Cycle ride - is that enough? Well apparently not. In the autumn we are planning a grand charity ball with an auction of promises. Date and venue to be arranged but again ideas and help is going to be much appreciated. £40,000 takes a lot of fundraising. Watch this space for details as they happen!
Wish us luck!