Racing ahead for the Accelerator Appeal

Published 11 Feb 2012 12:00 1 Comment

ONE of the manufacturers of a high-tech radiotherapy machine which will revolutionise cancer care at the Royal Berkshire Hospital is putting his foot down to kick-start our campaign.

Neil Harvey from radiosurgery company Elekta is backing our Accelerator Appeal to raise money for his company's ground-breaking Elekta Compact machine by signing up to the Reading Half Marathon.

Mr Harvey, the company's customer service manager, said: "I already do a half marathon in my home town of Coventry, but this is an extra challenge for a great cause and I am really looking forward to getting involved."

The father of two from Reigate, Surrey, is aiming to complete the 13.1m course in under 1hr 55mins added: "In an environment where there's a shortage of advanced radiotherapy it's important to invest in new products. This machine will be the first in the country and will allow us to move forward with treatment."

Chronicle health reporter Maxwell Kusi-Obodum and Royal Berks Charity fundraising director Mark Goff are also limbering up for the run. Maxwell, who is a member of Reading Roadrunners, hopes to smash his 2hours 1minute time from last year's race where he raised more than £160 for homeless charity Launchpad. He said: "It's going to be challenging, but since visiting the centre, hearing testimonies from patients who survived and seeing doctors' and nurses care, dedication and professionalism I owe it to them to go the extra mile."

Mr Goff, who crossed the finishing line in 2hrs 44mins last year said: "I feel much fitter this year after giving up smoking 17 months ago and hoping to beat last year's time. We've got lots of people running for us for different hospital departments and it shows the groundswell of support for us."

The charity still has a handful of places up for grabs. To sign up contact 0118 322 6969 or email charity@royalberkshire.nhs.uk

Donate at www.justgiving.com/Maxwell-Kusi-Obodum0 or www.justgiving.com/Mark-Goff2

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 09 Feb 12

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  Conky
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  Feb 11, 16:25
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  Guy on the right; made my day.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 3     No 0

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