Team Raise Money In Memory Of Former Colleague

Shown in the picture from left to right are Sarah McCombie, Assistant Nursing Manager and Educational lead; Niki Burton, Hospital Director; Dan Lane, Student Veterinary Nurse; Clare Sparling, Head of Nursing, Primary Care; Vicki Day, Operations Manager, plus corgis Gary and Wendy.

The recent tragic loss of a much-loved colleague has inspired team members to raise money for a local mental health charity. 

Everyone at Eastcott was devastated when popular trainee veterinary nurse Gemma Brown died suddenly last year.  

Since then, the team has donated £3,345 to the Kelly Foundation, in Swindon, which is dedicated to supporting people with mental health issues.  

Eastcott Hospital Director Niki Burton explained: “The shock of losing Gemma so suddenly really impacted everyone here. 

“She was a terrific colleague who was much-loved and is much missed.  

“We decided to do something for charity in her memory and chose the Kelly Foundation, which offers practical support for adults in the Swindon area who are experiencing mental health issues.  

“We’ve just handed over a cheque for £3,345 after five of us completed what should have been a 40-mile walk downriver from the source of the Thames.  

“Unfortunately, the Thames had burst its bank so we had to divert at times and climb over a few obstacles along the way, so did a few extra miles in the process!  

“It meant we did around 30 miles on the Saturday and a further 17 miles on the Sunday. 

“In all we clocked up 100,000 steps, counted 50 blisters and raised almost £3,500.  

“Student vet nurses across the region also supported the fundraising by making donations to attend a half-day training event we were running at Eastcott so we’ve raised a good amount for an extremely good cause.” 

The Kelly Foundation offers practical support for adults in the Swindon area who are experiencing mental health issues. It offers well-being support, general advocacy, counselling, life coaching and signposting. For more information on the Kelly Foundation, visit: https://4kelly.org/