A fundraiser is on track to raise more than £6,000 for our Colorectal department at Scunthorpe hospital.
Derek Cartwright is taking part in a charity swim on Sunday 3 December at the Riddings Pool in the town. He’ll be doing 40 lengths on the day, with the event starting at 11am.
Derek was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021 and was recently given the all clear.
He wanted to give something back to thank the staff for the fantastic care and treatment he received.
Derek said: “I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has sponsored and donated towards my swim, and my family who are travelling down on the day. The support from everyone has been amazing.
“I’m delighted with how much we’ve raised so far and knowing it will benefit patients like myself in the future.”
The department are looking to put the money raised towards a Transanal Endoscopic MicroSurgery (TEMS) scope. TEMS is a specially-designed operating system which allows surgery to be performed within the back passage (rectum) using a special microscope.
Ramana Kallam, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Scunthorpe hospital, said: “Derek has been an outstanding patient who has always engaged with the Colorectal team throughout his treatment and whilst on surveillance.
“He is making great efforts to organise the charity swim and raising a substantial amount of money, which is very much appreciated.
“This scope will benefit patients as it’s a minimally invasive treatment for low rectal pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions.”
Derek has received sponsorship from a number of local businesses, as well as donations from hospital staff and North Lincolnshire Council.
A raffle and awards ceremony will follow the swim.
