Stowmarket Striders Running Club is backing the fundraising efforts of My WiSH Charity’s Every Heart Matters appeal.
And they are hoping their weekly Summer Trail Runs will act as a boost to the campaign which is aiming to raise £500,000 to complete a new cardiac centre at the West Suffolk Hospital, in Bury St Edmunds.
They take place every Wednesday evening over a five to six mile course and members usually run in small groups with a donation of £2 being made towards the charity.
The idea to raise money for the appeal came from Mike Munson who has suffered a series of heart problems over the years which culminated in a double heart bypass in February at St George’s Hospital, in Tooting. He co-ordinates the Trail Runs.
The 65-year-old, who lives in The Grove, Stowmarket, said: “It’s incredibly important to have the unit at the West Suffolk as it is so awkward getting to other hospitals on public transport. For me I can walk out from where I live and just get on a bus to Bury.”
He is now waiting to carry out his rehab course following his operation.
It’s hoped over £1,000 can be raised for the appeal from the Trail Runs and anyone who wants to take part can turn up at the venues, between 6pm and 7.30pm, which can be accessed via the website at http://stowmarketstriders.org.uk/summer-trail-runs
Meanwhile, members of the Beck Row Thursday Club have boosted the funds of the appeal thanks to a tombola which raised £120.
Its vice chairman Margaret Leonard said the 50-plus members of the club, which meet once a month at the Methodist Church in the village, chose the appeal as it is essential to have the unit set up locally for local people.
And members of the Ladies Open Door Club, in Newmarket, have handed over £150 for the appeal following a visit to the group, which meets in All Saints School, by Sue Smith, the charity’s fundraising manager, and Sally Daniels, the campaign manager.
Ann Dunning, the chair, said: “This new facility at the hospital is much needed locally and will be of benefit to people living in and around the town.”
The club, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, consists of 32 women and is keen to welcome new members. Contact Ann on 01638 665910.
The West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is investing £5.2m in developing a state of the art cardiac suite that will provide quicker access to more treatments, but the £500,000 My WiSH Charity is hoping to raise will lead to the whole unit, which is currently fragmented on different floors, being brought together in one purpose-built centre.
If you want to support the Every Heart Matters appeal go to the websitewww.mywishcharity.co.uk and if you would like to donate to the appeal you can do so by going to: Justgiving.com/ehma or text EHMA17 £10 to 70070.
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