Preston doctor to take on a triathlon for Rosemere's 20th anniversary

A Preston oncologist has had a taste of his own medicine - instead of giving advice, he has had to consult a patient for help as he prepares to tackle his first ever triathlon.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Mar 2017, 14:11 BST
Updated 8th Apr 2017, 22:30 BST
Dr Stephen KennedyDr Stephen Kennedy
Dr Stephen Kennedy

Dr Stephen Kennedy, who is based at the Rosemere Cancer at the Royal Preston Hospital, is to cycle 20k, run 5k and swim 750m to raise money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s 20 Years Anniversary Appeal.

It’s a challenge he will take on from noon on Saturday at Fulwood Leisure Centre, alongside nurse specialists Jackie Tate and Alex Robson and clinical healthcare assistant Heather Dobson.

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In the run up to his feat, the 36-year-old has had advice from patient Katy Oliver, a former primary school teacher, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour two years ago and regularly travels from her home in Kendal to see him at the cancer centre.

Katy Oliver did a triathlon at Kendal Leisure Centre with the help of supporters (back left), Danielle Oliver, Imogen Oliver, Mel Tchibinda and Agata KrechowiczKaty Oliver did a triathlon at Kendal Leisure Centre with the help of supporters (back left), Danielle Oliver, Imogen Oliver, Mel Tchibinda and Agata Krechowicz
Katy Oliver did a triathlon at Kendal Leisure Centre with the help of supporters (back left), Danielle Oliver, Imogen Oliver, Mel Tchibinda and Agata Krechowicz

Katy recently completed her own triathlon, raising more than £1,300 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation and will be at the leisure centre to cheer him and the team on.

Dr Kennedy said: “Katy is our inspiration. When she told us about her triathlon and the money she had raised, we felt inspired to follow her lead. We have been training since the New Year. I hate running. The triathlon is taking me outside my comfort zone. I enjoy sport but my sports are sailing and skiing.”

The team estimates completing the triathlon will take between two to two and a half hours and members are hopeful of raising at least £500 for the appeal, which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the opening of Rosemere Cancer Centre.

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Through its 20 years anniversary appeal, which has a £1.5m target, Rosemere Cancer Foundation has committed to bringing the world’s most advanced robotic surgical system to the centre.

Katy Oliver did a triathlon at Kendal Leisure Centre with the help of supporters (back left), Danielle Oliver, Imogen Oliver, Mel Tchibinda and Agata KrechowiczKaty Oliver did a triathlon at Kendal Leisure Centre with the help of supporters (back left), Danielle Oliver, Imogen Oliver, Mel Tchibinda and Agata Krechowicz
Katy Oliver did a triathlon at Kendal Leisure Centre with the help of supporters (back left), Danielle Oliver, Imogen Oliver, Mel Tchibinda and Agata Krechowicz

It is also raising money for a state-of-the-art research facility there to enable more patients to participate in clinical trials.

Taking part in a trial can give patients access to the newest medicines and therapies being researched and developed for the future – treatment they wouldn’t otherwise be able to have. In addition, the appeal is raising money to redevelop Rosemere Cancer Centre’s in-patient Ribblesdale Ward. It is set to be transformed from a traditional Florence Nightingale style ward into a modern, home from home.

For further information on the appeal, how to donate, Rosemere Cancer Centre and Rosemere Cancer Foundation, whose work also extends to another eight hospitals in Lancashire and South Cumbria where cancer patients are treated, visit http://www.rosemere.org.uk.

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To donate visit http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/KatyOliverTriathlon.

For a previous story on the anniversary appeal click here http://www.lep.co.uk/news/rosemere-s-20th-anniversary-concert-1-8436752

Related topics:Preston