Sonographer Rachel Benson is hoping for a picture perfect run when she takes part in the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon on Sunday, May 20.
Rachel, who is based in the ultrasound unit in the Radiology Department at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI), part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (BTHFT), is taking part in the musical half marathon to raise money for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity.
The funds she raises will be used to transform the children’s area in the radiology units at BRI and BTHFT’s St Luke’s Hospital, ensuring young people are relaxed and happy while waiting for their scan.
“Radiology can be a scary place for children,” said Rachel. “Ultrasound and x-ray rooms are dimly lit and CT and MRI machines are quite large and noisy.
“At the moment, our children’s waiting area is quite old, it has a small selection of toys and it has plain walls. We want to revamp the whole area by creating bright and appealing décor with new toys, which will distract the children as well as introduce a quiet area for children to rest.
“Transforming the area will make a huge difference to how our children feel when they visit us and ensure they start their scan relaxed and happy.”
Live music
Rachel, of Wakefield, is a keen runner and has taken part in a number of 10K races before. She added she is looking forward to taking on the challenge of the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon as it features live music all the way around the course.
To support Rachel with a donation please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rachel-benson4
Rachel’s radiology colleagues are also taking part in this year’s Bradford Dragon Boat Festival on June 24 in a bid to raise money for the project. Members of their team, the ‘X-Raycers’, include consultants, nurses, radiographers and assistants who are on a mission to transform the experience of children who visit the radiology areas at both Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s.
Dr Leeanne Elliott, who set up the dragon boat racers’ Just Giving page, said: “The majority of children who visit hospital require imaging as part of their care and we perform more than 20,000 imaging investigations every year.”
Visit their Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bthftx-raycers. You can also give by texting XRYS-50 and the amount you wish to give to 700700.
Raising money
Hayley Collis, head of fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “Rachel and her radiology colleagues are working their socks off to raise as much money as possible to
transform their department for the benefit of children. I am sure their efforts will be appreciated by all the young people who visit their department.
“Good luck to Rachel! I would encourage everyone to support her by giving generously.”
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon will start from Albert Dock in Liverpool on Sunday, May 20, and end at Liverpool Echo Arena.
BTHFT’s Department of Radiology provides an array of examinations, including CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and interventional services.
To find out more about Bradford Hospitals’ Charity and how you can support your local hospitals, please visit www.bradfordhospitalscharity.org. Alternatively, contact Hayley Collis or Elaine Drake on 01274 274809 or email: charity@bthft.nhs.uk
To make a general donation visit https://www.justgiving.com/bradfordteachinghospital