Bannatyne Group
SUFFOLK FITNESS ADVISOR’S CHARITY WALK TO THANK HOSPITAL THAT SAVED HIS DAUGHTER
A Suffolk fitness advisor has undertaken a walk from Nottingham to Suffolk to raise money for the hospital that saved his daughter’s life and promote awareness of the urgent need for kidney donors.
Dean Davis, who works at the Bannatyne Health Club & Spa Bury St Edmunds, and a team of friends walked 114 miles over four days from Nottingham General Hospital where eight year old Harper was initially treated, to her school in Haverhill, Suffolk.
They raised £7000 for Nottingham General Hospital and the local diabetes clinic at West Suffolk Hospital.
In 2018, while on holiday, Harper contracted E-coli and a secondary infection which affected her kidneys and bowel and led to a kidney transplant, with Dean’s sister donating an organ to her niece.
Since then the family have made the journey from home to the hospital, which continues to treat her, many times. The infection caused Type 1 diabetes and Harper receives support from the diabetes clinic which also received a donation from the fundraising.
Dean said: “First and foremost I want to thank my sister for donating one of her kidneys to Harper. This enables her to lead a relatively normal life, without the need for dialysis. I think it is so important that people understand more about live organ donation and how this can save a life, or change it in an overwhelmingly positive way.
“As a family we have driven from Nottingham to Haverhill many times so it seemed an obvious route for our charity walk, although driving it is much easier than walking it in four days! I am pleased we have raised so much money and would like to thank the team who walked with me, and everyone who sponsored us and supported us along the way, including all at Bannatyne’s.”
https://www.gofundme.com/f/106-mile-hike
ENDS
NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF BANNATYNE GROUP
CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436
Notes to editors:
The Bannatyne Group operates 68 clubs, 46 spas and 3 hotels. It is owned by Duncan Bannatyne OBE, who is also known for his appearances as a business angel on the BBC programme Dragons’ Den. The health clubs have around 200,000 members.
Bannatyne health clubs can be found in towns and cities throughout the UK, with a particularly strong presence near residential areas of large towns. They place a strong emphasis on wellbeing and exercise forming a central part of living a healthy lifestyle.
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