30 Gastroenterologists Cycle 300 miles for Patient Charity
On Sunday afternoon a team of thirty gastroenterologists arrived in Liverpool for the 2016 BSG Annual Scientific Meeting in an unusual fashion. Having cycled 300 miles from Newcastle Medical School via the tricky peaks of the Lake District and challenging climbs of the Yorkshire Dales, they arrived at the Echo Arena on their bicycles. So why the gruelling challenge?
The brave medics are aiming to raise £45,000 for Core, the charity committed to fighting all diseases that affect the digestive system. Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology members will know better than anyone just how common digestive conditions are in UK – collectively they are a factor in 1 in 8 deaths in the UK and more than a quarter of cancer deaths are from those found in the digestive system.
Among those taking part was Consultant Hepatologist Dr. Allister Grant of the University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust. He explains his motivations: “I feel a great sense of duty to help raise money for Core, as it’s only thanks to their funding that I managed to conduct the research for my PhD. It’s only fair that I do my bit to help those in the same position, particularly as Core don’t receive any government funding.”
Another doctor who completed the 300-mile challenge was Dr. Mark McAlindon, whose team at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust won an award for their ‘capsule endoscopy’. He adds, “I look after people, young and old, with long term conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s. Core is the only charity that supports research in all these areas, so it’s vital we raise money for them.”
It may be too late to take part in GastroCycle 2016 – but it’s never too late to support Core and the fantastic work they do. Go to Core’s website to find out more about how you can help. And if you’re still champing at the bit to enjoy the great outdoors and do good at the same time, one lucky BSG delegate will win a Boardman Road Team Carbon Cycle worth £999 kindly donated by Halfords for a raffle by Core!
