‘I Never Stop’: Fundraising UHNM Consultant Gastroenterologist publishes memoirs to inspire those living with cancer

A fundraising consultant gastroenterologist from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has put pen to paper on her life’s memoirs in a bid to inspire those living with cancer and raise funds for UHNM Charity.

Dr Alison Brind was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2022 and has since raised almost £11,000 for liver disease at UHNM.

‘I Never Stop’ is a collection of diary entries detailing Dr Brind’s travels in areas across the globe including the Himalayas, Africa and South America.

She said: “Having been to some amazing places and done some amazing things, I wanted to share the joy I had travelling. My grandmother, grandfather, aunt and mother self-published books of their life stories, so my mission was to self-publish my travel diaries.

“I made the diaries whilst on challenges walking, running, cycling or on a skiing trip and started writing them in the 1980’s. They include the Everest Marathon, a climb of Aconcagua in Argentina, a race up Mount Kinabulu in Malaysia, memories of London Marathons, ultra plus marathons in the Alps, and cycling in Scotland, Europe, Jordan and Africa and cross-country skiing in Europe.

“I began to type them up during the downtime of Covid and continued until October 2023. I hope that people can drop into the different chapters the cover different travels that are relevant and of interest to them.

“Once I had finished and had the book printed, I was proud to see my name on the front and the wonderful photo standing proud in the Mustang in Nepal. I was also proud to see that inside it looked like a real book.

“My hopes are that many people buy my book and I raise lots of money for UHNM Charity and my liver appeal. But more personally, I hope that people enjoy reading my book and my shared experiences. I wanted to demonstrate just because I have cancer I never stop, and no one should. Suggestions have been made that I write how I managed to never stop despite my chemotherapy and cancer as an inspiration to cancer patients.”

Almost 700 people joined Dr Brind for a fundraising Parkrun in January 2023 raising almost £6,000 for her liver appeal through UHNM Charity.

Dr Brind is also encouraging as many people as possible to join her in running the Trentham Garden’s Parkrun this Saturday (27 Jan) at 9am to mark ‘Love Your Liver Month’, a national campaign encouraging members of the public to show their livers some love during January and take better steps towards liver health.

Steve Rushton, Head of UHNM Charity added: “Throughout her diagnosis and treatment, Dr Brind continues to be a source of inspiration to former patients, colleagues and others alike. We are delighted that she continues to raise vital funds for UHNM Charity through the sale of her new book and I look forward to picking up a copy myself.”

Anybody wishing to purchase a copy of Dr Brind’s book should contact the UHNM Charity team on 01782 676444 or email charity@uhnm.nhs.uk.