Couple raise £46k for city hospitals
A KEYWORTH couple have raised more than £46,000 for Nottingham's hospitals in the past 18 years.
Pat and David Bassett began fund-raising after Mrs Bassett's mum died at the City Hospital's Hayward House cancer care centre.
The cash is raised for cancer wards at the City Hospital and Queen's Medical Centre through their annual sponsored walk with friends and family around Edwinstowe.
Last May, tragedy struck again when the couple lost their 11-year-old granddaughter, Amelia Bassett, to cancer.
But the pair have not stopped fund-raising and this year they raised more than £3,000 for Nottingham University Hospitals Charity at the walk.
Mrs Bassett, 69, of Willow Brook, said: "Most of the people who come on the walk have all known someone with cancer.
"We are just trying to give a little bit back and are trying to help."
The couple presented a cheque for £3,230 to NUH Charity in November.
Paediatric Neuro-oncology Professor Richard Grundy said: "I would like to thank Pat and David Bassett and their friends and family for all the fundraising they have done over the years.
"Despite the tragedy of losing their granddaughter, Pat and David have continued to fund raise which is deeply admirable.
"I wish them luck in their future efforts."
The money will go to the children's cancer ward at the Queen's Medical Centre where Amelia was treated.
Mrs Bassett said: "It's all to help fight cancer.
"Friends and family have all helped over the years – even dogs and children.
"It's more like a club now as people look forward to coming."
Around 50 people attend the walk each year, which normally follows a four-mile route.
Mr Bassett, 67, said: "The walks are done at a leisurely pace and people take their dogs with them. It's a fun day out."
Mrs Bassett said: "There are some amazing people who come along and, as long as people want to keep up with the walk, we will keep arranging it."
To find out more about NUH Charity, to make a donation or get involved in fund-raising, go to www.nuhcharity.org.uk.
tanya.holden@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
Comments
by Dave Oldham, Lenton Abbey.
Friday, December 04 2009, 9:30AM
“Ive known Pat & David Bassett for some 16 years and they are dedicated in raising money for Nottingham Hospitals.
I myself have done the walks with them ever since I got to know them.
They spend lots of time organizing the walk and they go round local shops and stores asking for donations which help in making the walk successful each year.
I want to thank them for their dedication and time and wish them and all the others who do the walk A Merry Christmas May they live long and happy.
I will see them and the regular walkers next Year at the Walk in Edwinstow.
Anyone who is interested can join us, the more that do the walk the more we raise.
Pat and David are what this country is made of, caring dedicated and passionate in helping others.
They deserve massive Pat's on the Back.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
God Bless you Both.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx”