Fitness enthusiast Kirsty Thorburn has presented a cheque for over £1500 to staff at the Critical Care Unit at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, funds raised from a six hour exercise marathon following her recovery from a life threatening illness.
In January 2018 Kirsty was admitted to the newly opened Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary and was treated in the Critical Care Unit. After one week on the unit and one on a general ward she was discharged home. By May she was keen to get back to the gym where she had been a regular for years. A few months later Kirsty set a target date and sum of money for a fundraising event for the unit. Enlisting the help of her personal trainer and gym buddies she took on the challenge with them and was delighted to achieve fundraising and fitness success.
Dewi Williams, Consultant Anaesthetist at DGRI said:
“Kirsty had a sudden and life threatening illness, acute bacterial epiglottis, so rare that a clinician will see it only a few times in their career. This is a frightening and traumatic experience for a patient and their family. We are delighted that Kirsty has made such an excellent recovery and is so well she can enjoy being fit and active again. The team here are so grateful to Kirsty for her efforts in raising funds for our unit.”
Kirsty Thorburn, Fundraiser said:
“The reality is that the team at the Critical Care Unit literally saved my life and cared for me with such kindness and compassion that I simply wanted to do something to show my appreciation. They also supported my family while I was in their care which was invaluable to me. I have such respect for this remarkable team.”
Nick Mitchell NHS D&G Endowment Fund Manager, NHS D&G said:
“We are delighted with Kirsty’s donation to the Endowment Fund for the Critical Care Unit at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary. I know that the team are extremely grateful and are looking at how best they can use this sum of money (£1536.13) for the benefit of the patients in their unit.”
