Angie’s a party animal!

Angie Cheesmond (50) joined Clifton Medical Centre in December 2020 and last year the practice asked staff to take on an extra role to help promote employee wellbeing and welfare.  

She said: “My original role was about wellbeing and social events — but I was quickly nicknamed the ‘party minister’!

“The first thing I organised was a night out bowling, but we’ve done all sorts of events including axe throwing, meals out, and wellbeing walks.  

“We started raising money for Breast Cancer Now by doing a sponsored walk after my colleague was diagnosed with it and we needed to do something to raise money for such a fantastic charity.  

“Then I had the idea of a nearly naked calendar because we wanted to do something else for the charity.

“Our colleague, Angie Cooke, is now cancer-free but was going through treatment at the time and we also had a new business manager start, Steve Willetts, around that time.

“Everyone was keen to get involved in the calendar and I quickly filled the 12 pages — Steve was Mr December!

“We were also fortunate to have a local photographer — Karen Murden Photography whose business is in Balby — take all of the photos free of charge so we can donate more money from the sales.”  

The first 60 calendars sold out, and a further 140 were ordered and printed, which were also snapped up.  

The fundraising at the medical centre, on Doncaster Gate, Rotherham, continues with regular dress down Fridays and ‘Wear it Pink’ days to raise more money for Breast Cancer Now.  

“We have a quiz team but haven’t started quizzing yet,” said Angie, who lives in Conisbrough with 68-year-old husband John who has himself been battling cancer.  

“By the time we’re done, all of the donations will reach over £2,000, I’m sure.

“Through all this my husband also got diagnosed with cancer. He’s had chemo and is having a major operation later this month — it might mean a new charity and activities for next year!”