A Glasgow doctor has run more than 100 miles in 22 days, raising over a thousand pounds for charity.
Doctor Ioanna Nixon, a Consultant Clinical Oncologist for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, took on the formidable challenge this year in aid of Cancer Research UK with donations from friends, family and colleagues adding up to a total of £1605.
She said: “I’m so thankful to everyone who donated to my fundraising efforts and I’m really proud that I was able to finish the 100-mile challenge in 22 days.
“As an oncologist, I see the impact of cancer on the lives of people, both the patients and their families.
"Cancer is a diverse, common disease that affects people of all age groups and walks of life, so it really is everyone’s business.
“We have made remarkable progress in the way of treatments through research and innovation, but we can do more.
"We can do better.
“I used this 'challenge' as an opportunity to raise awareness about cancer, discuss myths around this disease and fundraise for cancer research.”
As the new Cancer Innovation Lead for the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, Ioanna looks for new ways of using technology to improve the lives of patients in Scotland every day.
The Hub, which is hosted by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, supports health and social care innovation across the West of Scotland and addresses key challenges to improve health, social care and service delivery.
Ioanna said: “Cancer is undoubtedly a priority of the West of Scotland Innovation Hub’s work and my role is to help raise awareness, understand what is needed and how we can align the use of technology and innovative thinking to help improve patient care.
“The team is incredibly forward-thinking, with everyone bringing forward so many skills, offering access to an unrivalled level of knowledge and innovative ideas.”
As well as being a keen runner and dedicated doctor, Ioanna is the author of the hugely popular Jack and Dr Betty book series.
The idea for the colourful characters came after a conversation with the youngest of her two sons during the height of covid restrictions.
She explained: “I wanted to be able to explain to my four-year-old what Covid-19 meant in a way that he would understand.
“There is no better way in doing so than a story, so the story of ‘Jack Wee Rabbit and Dr Betty’ was born.
"Dr Betty is a friendly cat, who explains what Covid means and calms any worries.
“We are hardwired to connect through stories, and as a leadership coach I teach the art of storytelling and crucial conversations in different settings, including with patients and families.”
To learn more about Jack Wee Rabbit and Dr Betty click here or to donate to Doctor Ioanna's fundraiser here.
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here