Doctor takes an ice-cold dip for donations

Plucky Dr William Hicks, from the hospital’s radiology department, took part in the annual Marine Lake Splash on Christmas Day morning, dressed as Father Christmas.

The dip in the freezing lake raised £500 for the hospital’s Scanner Appeal. At a presentation event held yesterday (30^th January 2017), Dr Hicks handed over a cheque donating the proceeds from his swim. 

The Scanner Appeal is a joint campaign between the Trust which runs the hospital and its League of Friends – a charity that raises funds for projects around the hospital.

The appeal aims to raise £400,000 to refurbish Weston General’s X-Ray department and for new scanning equipment which will greatly improve the service it delivers to thousands of patients it sees each year.

Speaking on his nippy dip, Dr Hicks said: “I’d like to thank all of the generous people who sponsored me and everyone who lined the promenade to support all the Christmas swimmers making a splash for charity.

“The swim was great fun, if a little cold, and I’m pleased that I gave up my normal comfy Christmas morning to help the Scanner Appeal.”

Dr Hicks has now called on individuals to support the appeal in any way they can.

He added: “I urge individuals to support the appeal, be that through donations or by running your own fundraising event. The Scanner Appeal is a great project that is going to tremendously improve our X-ray facilities and every penny raised towards it really does count.”

The Trust’s Chief Executive, James Rimmer, said: “We have incredible people working here at Weston General Hospital, who give up their days off, and even their Christmases, to help our hospital.

“I don’t envy Dr Hicks’ freezing swim, but I admire his dedication and commitment to our Scanner Appeal.

“This campaign is for the people of Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding areas. With your help, we can fund essential life-saving equipment which will change lives for people living locally.” 

If you or your organisation would like to get involved in fundraising for the hospital’s Scanner Appeal please call 07590 30 36 36 or email info@scannerappeal.org for more information. 

You can also make a donation to the appeal via the League of Friends shop which is located inside the hospital, or by texting SCAN16 and the amount to 70070.