Published on 11 May 2022
Rotarians have raised £2,500 for the Viking Day Unit at the QEQM, inspired by the wife of their president who had treatment there.
Hazel Hedges is now clear of cancer, but husband Chris, who is president of the Rotary Club of Westgate and Birchington, chose the unit as the club’s charity for the past two years.
Unit manager Carrie Merry, and deputy Joanna Watungwa, attended a meeting of the club to thank members in person and collect the cheque.
Chris said: “Rotary and its sister organisation Inner Wheel, which Hazel is part of, is all about helping people so raising money is what we like to do.
“We held a race night, where wooden hobby horses, raced up the middle of a hall, with the assistance of two children, and my wife and I completed an 88-mile sponsored walk, inspired by the 88th anniversary of Inner Wheel in Kent.
“But most of the money was raised via door-to-door collections with Santa and his sleigh around the streets of Westgate and Birchington, so our thanks to everyone who supported that.”
The club also supported Hope For Tomorrow, a charity which runs mobile cancer care units, including one for east Kent.
Rotary’s links with the Viking Day Unit stretch back to its opening in 2008, when the club held a 70s extravaganza at Quex Park, with performances by Suzi Quattro and T-Rex. It raised almost £100,000 and a poster for the event is on display in the waiting area.
Carrie said: “We were delighted to receive this donation from the Rotary Club of Westgate and Birchington and very grateful to Chris and Hazel and everyone who has supported them.
“Hazel spoke about her experiences on the unit and her warm praise for the team was very gratefully received.”
