Radiologist climbs Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for UHNM Charity

A radiologist has successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds to improve the care of cancer patients at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

Dr Praveen Datta, who is hoping to reach his fundraising target of £2500, spent eight days hiking through Tanzania to reach the summit at 5,895 meters.

Dr Datta said: “I wanted to do the climb as I have dealt with many cancer patients while doing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures for them and it’s during this period, I realised the crucial role played by the UHNM Charity which spends millions of pounds in additional funding for the UHNM Trust to enhance patient experience and comfort for cancer patients.”

In preparation of the climb, Dr Datta completed months of training including a 10K run and regularly walking the Peak District, Snowdon and Lake District.

Dr Datta added: “For me, cancer was unforgiving in the case of my beloved mother and more recently a close Radiologist friend, while I am lucky in my wife’s case who is free from the disease after successful treatment for the cancer of the ovary in 2018. On all these occasions, I came across various doctors, nurses, other members of the staff and different charities working relentlessly but also focusing on the overall experience of the entire family.

“I would like to thank everyone who has donated and supported me through my challenge it was a difficult climb, but I am so pleased to have completed it. This climb has reinforced my mantra in life about thinking and visualizing long-term, keeping going, and never giving up, even if it is a long road!

“I hope to reach my target and complete another challenge for UHNM Charity in the future.”

To help Dr Datta reach his target donate here.

If you would like to fundraise for UHNM Charity visit www.uhnmcharity.org.uk for more information, or call 01782 676444 to speak to one of the UHNM Charity team.