Non uniform day raises funds for breast unit When business manager Francesca Magog from St Michael’s Catholic Academy in Billingham was diagnosed with breast cancer in August she thought the only way to deal with it was to take things one step at a time. Word about Francesca’s illness got round and the pupils at the academy decided they would like to raise some money for the breast unit at the University Hospital of North Tees to recognise the fantastic work they do and say thank you for her care. On a recent visit to the unit Francesca presented the cheque for £760.40 to breast care nurse Claire Moody. The amazing sum was the proceeds of a non-uniform day held right across the school. Francesca said: “As far as my treatment goes I’m taking things one step at time. I was really pleased to get here and find Claire in the unit. She’s my nurse throughout my treatment so it’s great to be able to give her this in person. “I’m finding it hard not being at school but while I’m having chemotherapy and my resistance is low, then it’s the best thing to do. I’m so grateful to the pupils at the academy and I am really pleased to be able to come and present a cheque on their behalf.” Claire said: “I think it’s great that Francesca’s diagnosis is out in the open in school. It gives young people the opportunity to talk about cancer and make it normal. “I’d like to say a really big thank you to everyone at St Michael’s Catholic Academy. I’m amazed by the amount they’ve raised. The money will be used to support patients like Francesca as they go through their treatment.”
Francesca Magog (left) with breast care nurse Claire Moody 14 Anthem | Issue 40
Left to right – lead cancer nurse Jan Harley, consultant breast surgeons Colm Hennessy and Pud Bhaskar, consultant orthopaedic surgeon and secrtary of the Socieyty of Indian Doctors (Cleveland) Rajesh Nanda with president of the Society of Indian Doctors Sushma Acquilla and her husband Dilip Acquilla, who is also an executive of the society
Jai Ho! Bollywood night raises funds for breast unit The Indian Doctors of Cleveland raised an impressive sum for two Teesside charities at their Bollywood Night in September. Nearly 500 people packed the Grand Marquee at Wynyard Hall Hotel to be entertained by Indian dancers, share delicious Indian cuisine and, in their hundreds, take to the floor for a communal, choreographed dance to Jai Ho; the Slumdog Millionaire hit which took the world by storm. Funds were raised for the breast unit at the University Hospital of North Tees and for the South Cleveland The night was so Heart Fund. successful and Through raffles enjoyable we’re and auctions under pressure an impressive £10,000 was to hold another raised to split one! between the two charities. President of the Society of Indian Doctors Dr Sushma Acquilla and her husband Dr Dilip Acquilla, who is also an executive of the society, joined consultant orthopaedic surgeon and secretary of the society Mr Rajesh Nanda to present a £5,000 cheque to clinical director of surgery Mr Pud Bhaskar, consultant surgeon Mr Colm Hennessy and lead cancer nurse Jan Harley.
Rajesh Nanda said: “The society has members who are working or who have worked at hospitals in Middlesbrough, Northallerton, Hartlepool and Stockton as well as in primary care. As a society we looked for two charities who we thought would make good use of the money raised and I was delighted to be able to present a cheque, along with the president and a fellow executive member to the breast unit.” Pud Bhaskar said: “It was a very enjoyable evening and it’s fantastic that such a sum was raised. We’ll make sure it is put to good use to support patients affected by breast cancer. Rajesh added: “The night was so successful and enjoyable we’re under pressure to hold another one!” You can find out more about the Society of Indian Doctors (Cleveland) and the charities they have supported over the years by visiting their facebook page