Staffordshire Newsletter (Stone Edition)
‘Inspirational’ doctor Alison leaves £11k fundraising legacy
Royal Stoke consultant had battled to raise money and awareness while fighting cancer
TRIBUTES have been paid to an ‘inspirational’ Royal Stoke consultant who raised thousands for charity – while battling cancer.
Dr Alison Brind, a consultant hepatologist with University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, has passed away.
The UHNM Charity – which she raised more than £11,000 for – confirmed the news earlier this week.
Dr Brind – who first joined the Royal Stoke as a consultant back in 1997 – had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2022.
But she went on to raise thousands to help patients.
Even before her own diagnosis Dr Brind, of Stone, had used her own time to help patients.
She ran the London Marathon in 2010 in aid of the British Liver Trust and had completed scores of fundraising runs since then.
A determined and muchrespected medic, she released her memoirs, called ‘I Never Stop,’ earlier this year.
It was published to raise cash for UHNM Charity and give inspiration to those living with cancer.
It contained a collection of diary entries from her travels across the globe, including the Himalayas, Africa and South America.
At the time of releasing the book she said: “My hopes are that many people buy my book and I raise lots of money for UHNM Charity and my liver appeal.
“But more personally, I hope that people enjoy reading my book and my shared experiences.
“I wanted to demonstrate just because I have cancer I never stop, and no one should.”
Around 700 people had joined her in a fundraising parkrun back in January 2023 which raised almost £6,000 for her liver appeal through UHNM Charity.
Last year she was named NHS Hero at the Your Hero Awards.
She was presented with the accolade by boxer Nathan Heaney.
On receiving the honour, she said: “I felt so honoured to have won the award and cherished the memorable evening, but I’m sure there are people in the NHS in Staffordshire who do so much more than I did and need nominating next year.”
Speaking on her diagnosis and the impact it had on her profession, the brave doctor said: “I got the pancreatic cancer, and I can’t do the clinical work any more but I’m trying to keep positive and to think about other people and to leave something, a legacy of my work, because I’ve worked here for 25 years, and for the work to go on to tackle liver disease.”
A social media post from UHNM Charity stated: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr Alison Brind, Consultant Hepatologist at UHNM Trust.
“A truly inspirational individual, who supported UHNM Charity for a number of years. Rest in peace Alison, your legacy will live on.”
Andrew Ashcroft, who previously worked in communications with UHNM, wrote on social media: “Absolutely gutted to hear this news.
“Alison didn’t love the spotlight, but knew it was important to get the message out about the dangers of alcohol to those in their 20s/30s, as well as all the charity work.
“For her 50th I remember she took on 50 challenges. A real inspiration.”
Scores of former colleagues paid tribute on social media describing her as ‘an amazing clinician,’ ‘a dedicated inspirational lady,’ and ‘caring, knowledgeable and kind.’
I wanted to demonstrate just because I have cancer I never stop, and no one should.”
Alison Brind