As a private medical practice, we are very aware of the challenges many families face when dealing with life long illnesses, a mental crisis, or a terminal diagnosis. We are very proud of our team and everything they do for our members, and how they go above and beyond to support those in need at some of the most difficult times. Raising money for charity is something we are especially proud of, and even more so when it involves charities close to our hearts. Our team likes to do something challenging, and sometimes something very scary! We wanted to share the great (and slightly crazy) things some of our team members have done, and are planning this year.
The Great North Swim
Many of you may not know that Dr Alia Fahmy and our Senior Nurse, Sam Day, took part in The Great North Swim. Most recently Dr Alia completed the swim in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. This was her third time taking part in the 1 mile swim in Lake Windermere for charity. The Great North Swim is an action packed 3 day event, and is the UKs largest open water swimming event, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. Through their charity commitments Sam and Alia raised £1,091 for the Multiple System Atrophy Trust, and Alia has also raised £2,035 for Macmillan Cancer Support and £1,192 for the Alzheimer’s Society.
The Great North Swim is not just a physical challenge but a mental challenge too. When you are cold, tired and not able to stop, it tests your mental strength more than the physical.
Fire Walking and abseiling
Our pharmacy lead Michelle, is always there for our patients, sorting out their private prescriptions and making sure they reach our members quickly and accurately. She will be the one giving you a call to let you know where and when your prescription will be ready to collect, or arrange delivery for you if you are unable to leave your home. At weekends Michelle has also been known to get involved in some hair-raising activities, and recently has been raising money for charity. Michelle completed the Santa Dash, along with Mabs, her gorgeous Yorkie cross Chihuahua, then did a fire walk, both to raise funds for Myton Hospice, then in March she decided that abseiling down a very tall building (90ft down Coventry Cathedral) would be a brilliant idea! In doing so, Michelle has raised over £700 for this special charity that is very close to her heart. She is already planning her next charity challenge, so watch this space.
Trekking across mountainous terrain
In September 2023, one of our lovely new private GPs, Dr Olivia, will be taking part in a 5 day tour du Mont Blanc. Following recent spinal surgery she has set herself a new challenge to trek and camp for 5 days through the mountainous terrain of the French alps. Having looked after many people with Breast Cancer over her 20 years as a GP, Dr Olivia is raising money for the breast cancer charity “CoppaFeel!”. She has chosen Coppafeel as their work is so important in helping young people understand their bodies, and feel empowered to check for lumps and report anything that doesn’t feel right to their GP. Coppafeel is on a mission to stamp out late diagnosis and Olivia is also on a mission to raise as much money as possible to support the charity.
If you would like to support Olivia please follow this link (link to donation page), all donations are welcome no matter how big or small. Olivia Munn is fundraising for CoppaFeel (justgiving.com)
Concierge Medical fully supports their team in these challenges. It helps with team bonding, motivation and overall it helps with staff’s mental and physical health. These challenges are also a huge support for the wider community and the charities we fundraise for.
As a private GP practice we are here to support our members with any of their concerns. If you have any concerns relating to these issues, or any others please do get in touch with your GP.
If you want to learn more about these charities follow these links here
https://www.mytonhospice.org/
https://coppafeel.org/
https://www.msatrust.org.uk/
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/