Scanner appeal nears halfway mark

The British Heart Foundation target of £108,633 will pay for a new echocardiogram machine at Rotherham Hospital.

Thirty-five members of Darfield Cricket Club - aged nine to 53 - set off to climb the Yorkshire Three Peaks for the cause.

They raised £3,021 and donated £1,000 to the BHF appeal. 

The event also supported the children’s charity PACT, with the remaining funds supporting the club through the season.

Warren Bird, one of the members, said: “The weather was horrible all day and sometimes you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. 

“There were a lot of boggy areas on the walk and climbs up cliff faces and steep steps but 17 people completed the full 26 miles.

“It was a very long tough day but the money we raised was well worth it and the members who took part can hold their heads high and be proud.”

More than 30 people took on a Heart Games challenge and have so far raised £900 towards the scanner.

The event was organised by fitness staff at Rotherham Leisure Centre, who organised rowing, cycling, curling, football, basketball, shooting, badminton and hockey.

Former paratrooper Keith Hopkins, of Rawmarsh, completed a 7km walk, raising an additional £230. 

He said: “It was a pleasure to help the British Heart Foundation and to help other people who need that extra support.”

Rochelle Scott, a healthy living programme manager for Places for People Leisure, said the event was a chance to give cardiac survivors the opportunity to give back to a charity close to their hearts.

She added: “We are very thankful to each individual who took on this challenge and supported our BHF scanner appeal.”

Bramley and Wickersley Lions Club donated £1,000 to the appeal, while Maltby (Rother Valley) added a further £200.

BHF fundraising manager Lauren Mallinson said: “We are very grateful for the support of the members of Darfield Cricket Club who took on the very challenging Yorkshire Three Peaks, for the members of both Lions Clubs for their very generous donations, and the support of heart patients and members who took part in the Heart Games.

“But we urgently need more people to join us and help power this important appeal. “That’s why we’re calling on everyone across Rotherham to raise funds as your way to help support our vital work.”

How to help the Rotherham Scanner Appeal:

Online: www.bhf.org.uk/rotherhamscannerappeal

In person: By collecting a donation envelope from the main entrance of the Rotherham Hospital’s Health Information Area

By cheque: Please make out to British Heart Foundation and send to Lawrence Clarke, Treasurer at British Heart Foundation Rotherham Branch, 39 Cherry Tree Crescent, Wickersley, Rotherham, S66 2LS.