Fundraising champions
REMARKABLE fundraisers have continued an incredible legacy of helping to save lives – by raising almost £370,000 for Nuneaton’s hospital.
In what is its 31st year, the Bermuda and Stockingford Intensive Care Suppory (BASICS) has handed over £9,000 to the Coronary Care Unit at the George Eliot Hospital – bringing their grand donation total to almost £370,000.
BASICS started out as a fund-raising football match as Kath Turner’s way of thanking the hospital for saving her life and, even after her death in 2010, the inspirational woman continues to support staff.
In fact, BASICS is the second biggest charity contributor to the hospital, just behind the League of Friends.
Her husband Pete and friends Moya and Tom Walker continue to be the driving force behind BASICS and the £9,000 cheque was the proceeds of the past 12 months’ fund-raising. Mrs Walker said: “Sadly, the football match that first kicked off the fund-raising will not be held again. Last year was our last one, when we first started it was an over 50s match, some of those players are now 80.
“We did lower the age but, again, those players are getting old too now so we won’t be holding the football match again, but we will continue with our charity nights.” Speaking about her much-missed friend Kath, Mrs Walker said: “She would be proud that Pete, Tom and I have continued with it, in fact she would be over the moon with how much money we have raised.
“She would have wanted us to carry on and that is what we have done, and will continue to do.”
Indebted cardiology lead Dr Asok Venkataraman said: “I am honoured to accept this donation from BASICS and would like to thank everyone involved in the fundraising for their goodwill and continued hard work to support our Cardiology service at the George Eliot.
“Over the years their donations have helped us to purchase many pieces of equipment to support our patients and they should all be extremely proud of their achievements.”
The next BASICS’ event is on Saturday, March 10 at the Stockingford Pavilion from 8pm.
Tickets are available now priced at £7.50 and can be booked by calling Pete on 024 7634 7085. Acts on the night will include Flashback and a top comedian.