Craig is stepping out in aid of King's Mill Hospital appeal

Your Chad is backing the trust, which runs the Sutton hospital in its campaign to buy a gamma scanner with CT technology for its nuclear medicine department.

The scanner will enable more than 2,000 patients each year to have advanced scans, which could speed up the diagnosis of diseases like cancer, helping patients receive the right treatment faster and reducing the need for invasive procedures.

Craig Short, aged 38, a quality improvement officer at the hospital is planning to run this year’s Robin Hood Half Marathon in Nottingham to help with the appeal.

Craig will run more than 13 miles around the city, past landmarks like Nottingham Castle and Wollanton Park.

Within minutes of the appeal launch, he had already decided this year he would run it to help build-up funds.

Craig said: “Running the Robin Hood Half Marathon is something I’ve done for the past two years and I have supported other charities over that time, such as fund-raising to have two defibrillators installed in my home village of Oxton.

“When I saw the new appeal for a nuclear scanner I decided straight away that I would support it this year through sponsorship for the half marathon.

Craig has said one of the main reasons is helping the campaign is to contribute to the hospital.

He said: “I work at King’s Mill and live not a million miles away from Mansfield so it’s a fantastic opportunity to be able to contribute to something that will make improvements to the future of our hospital and will benefit our patients.

“I hope to raise £500 in total and have already started training for the main event.”

The Robin Hood Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, September 30.

It is hoped the new scanner will be in place and helping to diagnose patients by summer 2019.

Can you help raise funds for the much needed scanner?

You do not have to be running a half marathon like Craig to help raise money.

Some great ways to help meet the hospitals target is to host a cake sale or a sponsored car wash. Patients and staff at the hospital have said they need the help of hind hearted volunteers to meet the £550,000 price tag on the scanner.

Staff are already putting their heads together to come up with fund-raising ideas.

If you are planning to raise money get in touch and tell us about your good work and we’ll feature you in your Chad – helping boost the amount you raise.

Remember every penny counts.

Do not hesitate you can reach your Chad on 01623 450283 or email us at [email protected]

Donations to the appeal can be made by texting 70070 and quoting SFHC18 to donate £5 or £10, online at Just Giving (www.justgiving.com/sherwoodforest) or by cash or cheque at the Community Hub in the entrance of King’s Mill Hospital.