A pod of 38 swimmers completed a 5k sea swim across Falmouth Bay on Saturday 8th July to raise funds and boost awareness of the need for advanced robotic surgery in Cornwall.
Inspired by Consultant Surgeon and Bowel Cancer Lead at Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT), Nick Battersby, the swimmers plunged in at Rosemullion Head in Falmouth and with steady stroke work swam for 1.5 to 2 hours passing Maenporth, Swanpool and Gyllyngvase Beach before reaching the finish line at Pendennis Point in Falmouth.
The challenge has raised over £12,000 to advance robotic surgery in the country, and still rising, with Mr Battersby as the driving force behind the fundraising event,
“Royal Cornwall Hospital is the only hospital to provide emergency and planned major surgery for the whole of Cornwall. We are determined to give Cornish patients the best care, in Cornwall, without the need to travel out of county where possible.
We have been at the leading edge of surgical treatments and are renowned for early adoption of minimally invasive surgery (small incisions made using miniaturised surgical instruments).
A robot would provide the next step in modern surgical care for patients at RCHT. It is exciting using this new technology. It attracts dynamic surgical and nursing staff, which ensures the RCHT Surgical Departments offer the people in Cornwall the best available care.”
The 5k sea swim, a collaboration between Sureswim Kernow and Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity (RCHT Charity), was well supported by the local community with safety boats and boards in attendance from Falmouth and Porthtowan Surf Life Saving Clubs, registration taking place at Princess Pavilion, fundraising prizes donated by Fourth Element and Seasalt Cornwall as well as the immense generosity of Harbourlights providing a well-earned fish and chip supper for all the swimmers and support crew.
“Witnessing the swimmers reach Pendennis Point and helping them out one by one, it was clear the sense of achievement that they all felt individually but also the group camaraderie. Supporters lined the rocks to cheer and clap each and everyone as they emerged from the triumphant from the sea – the atmosphere was electric!” Said Karen Murrish, Fundraising Manager for RCHT Charity.
The purpose of the swim remained at the forefront of the event with the surgeon, Nick Battersby, giving a word of thanks at the start line.
Donations to the fundraising event are still possible at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/rcht5kbay
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