Staff at hospital get on their bikes

Staff at University Hospital Hairmyres are helping a charity which provides essential medical support for some of the world’s poorest people – by getting on their bikes and putting on their walking shoes.

A fundraiser will be held on Wednesday, June 13 for Flyspec – a charity which flies surgical specialists across Zambia and provides the only means to get highlyskilled medics out to the most vulnerable patients in the African country.

The hospital staff have been inspired by husband-and-wife Alberto Gregori, who is an orthopaedic consultant, and Patricia O’Connor, an A&E consultant.

They have supported and volunteered with Flyspec over a number of years and are retiring from NHS Lanarkshire after more than 20 years.

One of the organisers of the fundraiser at Hairmyres, David Murray, said:“The charity event is to say a huge thank you to Alberto and Patricia who have dedicated their working life to patients in Lanarkshire.

“Flyspec is an amazing charity started in 1982 and is entirely funded by charitable donations.

“In a typical year they fly surgical specialists over 25,000 nautical miles across Zambia...so we are going to try and match this on foot and by pedal power.

“Please come and join us on the June 13 at Hairmyres – you don’t even need your own bike.”

Alternatively, donate online by searching for NHS Lanarkshire on the Virgin money Giving website.