Coronavirus survivor to raise money for hospital charity

An 80-year-old coronavirus survivor is raising money for the hospital that ‘saved her life’ – by completing a track race in her wheelchair.

Gillian Bennett, from Nantwich, was admitted to Crewe’s Leighton Hospital after her temperature soared to forty degrees during a chest infection.

Once in hospital she tested positive for coronavirus and her condition deteriorated. Gillian started to make a recovery, however, and after almost four weeks she was well enough to be discharged home.

She now aims to raise £500 for Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity to give something back to the hospital that cared for her.

The appropriately named ‘Gilly-Athlon’ will see Gillian complete two very unique events to her. The first will take place next Monday (10 August) as she aims to complete 10 miles round the local race-circuit, Oulton Park, in her battery powered wheelchair.

Following this track day she will take to the pool as she attempts a 100-metre swim using floatation aids, however, the date on this is still to be confirmed due to on-going COVID restrictions.

Gillian said: “During my month long stay in my local hospital , I received excellent care from a whole team of dedicated NHS professionals who worked tirelessly every day to save my life as well as others.

“My local hospital has always been there for me during my life’s ups and downs, from a heart attack to having had a serious stroke back in 2016 which left me disabled and confined to a wheel chair. I therefore feel it’s time to give something back.”

Carole Salmon, Charity Community Fundraiser, said: “''Gill's story and fundraising energy are truly inspirational. I am looking forward to cheering her on during her challenge. I would like to say a big thank you to her and her family for their support".

If you wish to donate to Gillian’s cause you can do here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=GillBennett1&pageUrl=1

MCH Charity is a registered charity that manages all money raised for, or donated to, Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which includes Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary, Northwich and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre, Winsford. The Trust is also part of Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership (CCICP), a unique local health partnership that provides a range of community health services for people across South Cheshire and Vale Royal.

MCH Charity supports patients, their relatives and friends, staff and local businesses and organisations to raise money for the charity. All the money we raise is spent to enhance and improve the care and experience that people receive when using Trust services. We purchase state-of-the-art equipment, additional comforts and fund enhanced training for staff.  

The charity works closely with the Trust to make sure that all specialities are supported to spend every penny of the money raised on items that will directly improve patient care.

For more information please visit our website www.mchcharity.org and our social media pages on Facebook and Twitter @mchcharity

Pictured - Gillian in her charity t-shirt ready to start her fundraising.