The Malden Centre pledges to raise funds for vital equipment that helped neurosurgeons treat local mum.

The team at New Malden’s flagship fitness centre is delighted to launch its new fundraising campaign for 2017/18, that - as ever - will bring the whole community together for a fantastic cause.

Following the success of its previous 12-month mission to support Parkinson’s UK (inspired by two New Malden families who have been affected by the condition) staff and customers of the Malden Centre will again be working hard to raise funds for a charity that has brought real benefit to the life of a local resident.

Mum of 3 young children, Emma Holloway (pictured) was diagnosed with a rare and incurable cancer, Chordoma in November 2015. Emma, 41, underwent a nine-hour operation at St George’s Hospital, Tooting to remove most of the tumour that had grown into her spinal cord.

The operation was carried out using a highly specialised MEP [motor evoked potential] machine - but which actually had to be loaned to the neuro team to treat Emma. MEP has the capability to monitor impact on the spinal cord during surgery, providing instant feedback to prevent damage to the patient’s nerves.

Emma - who has amazingly already completed a half marathon in aid of the charity Chordoma UK, despite her neck now being held together by metal plates – is now determined to back an appeal by St George’s Hospital Charity to purchase one of the lifesaving devices for the hospital’s neurosurgery department, which costs around £30,000.

The first event to launch this year of fundraising and awareness will be the New Malden 5k Fun Run (followed by the 100m dash for children) on Saturday 1 July at 9am. 

The final, few places are still available at http://www.nmfunrun.co.uk Registration is free but there will be refreshments and a cake stall and additional sponsorship is encouraged!  The Malden Centre will be providing free drinks, a free swim voucher and medals for all participants.

Emma’s neurosurgeon, Matthew Crocker also hopes to take part on the day!

General Manager of the Malden Centre (which this celebrates its 30th anniversary) Nicola Moore, says; “We're honoured to be working with Emma and everyone involved with St George’s Hospital Charity and the specific appeal to help fund this vital piece of equipment.

“The Fun Run is just the first of many events taking place over the next 12 months. I’ve no doubt our customers and the entire community will get right behind us as we strive to help Emma, her family and friends work towards their fundraising total.”

Noel Cramer, director of fundraising for St George’s Hospital Charity, added: “A huge thanks to the Malden Centre and Emma for their fantastic support of our Neuro Appeal. The highly talented medics and nurses at St George’s provide leading care for seriously ill patients and our Appeal aims to help provide more unique and important equipment and facilities that can help our amazing teams help even more patients.”

To support Emma, please go to:
 https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/EmmaHolloway-SGHNeuroAppeal

Article supplied by Jo Hudson