A STAFF member at Dorchester County Hospital (DCH) is running to directly support the patients in their cancer wards.

Ward Clerk on Fortuneswell Ward, Karen Croad, won a place in the ballot for this year’s London marathon.

Karen said that she wasn’t confident at first that she could complete it but has now summoned up the courage take it on.

The money raised will go to Fortuneswell Cancer Trust, a charity that raises money to support cancer patients in Dorset.

Money raised by the charity has already been used to improve the facilities for patients on the Fortuneswell Cancer Ward and Outpatient Chemotherapy Unit.

There is a long term goal to further develop the Cancer Centre at DCH, with fund shaving already been donated to a new isolation suite and more equipment for the unit.

So far Karen has raised almost £300 for FTC.

She said: “I have chosen this charity in memory of the patients who have lost their lives to cancer, and in support of those currently undergoing treatment, not forgetting their families.

She also paid her respects to the nursing staff, doctors and palliative team on the wards and in the units, she said that the care they provide is exceptional and is often provided in the most distressing and emotional circumstances. The staff members often come to know the patients and their families on a personal level over the years of treatment and inpatient episodes

Training has been going well for the 56 year-old, in the moments that Karen has struggled, she said that she thought of those who were suffering now and those who are no longer alive as a result of the disease, this keeps her focussed and determined to finish on the day

She added: “The pain I will experience on this 26 mile challenge bears no resemblance to that of those who are suffering with cancer, or their families

“The courage and resolve shown by many of our patients and their families is very humbling, and I am proud to have the opportunity to support them.”

Karen has also said that if anyone who sponsors her wishes to send her a ribbon with their loved ones name written on it, she would like to sew the ribbon onto her running vest and carry their memory with her when she runs through the streets on London on April 26.

Those who wish to do so can contact her at the Fortuneswell Ward at DCH on 01305 253342.

To support Karen on her journey, you can sponsor her at justgiving.com/karen-croad.