Nurses create a splash taking on the Great North Swim

Fran Harries, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Urology and Kim O’Keeffe Clinical Nurse Specialist in Oncology and Urology are taking on Great North Swim this summer to raise money in memory of their parents, who were both treated at QEHB.

The Great North Swim is a mile-long swim taking place in the picturesque Lake Windermere on the weekend of 8-10 June and raises fantastic amounts for charities all over the UK.

Although both women have been avid swimmers in the past, neither of them have ever done any open-water swimming and are nervous to take on such a big challenge.
Each woman has their own personal reasons for taking part in the swim. Fran’s father passed away on Edgbaston ward at QEHB 18 months ago.

“My dad was a keen sportsperson, being a founding member of a cycling club, and regularly playing golf, he was also extremely passionate about swimming. He was determined that both my sister and I would be able to swim, so he really pushed us. I swam my first mile age 8, and continued to swim competitively throughout my childhood.

“The staff on Edgbaston ward were amazing, my dad received fantastic care and they showed such great attention to detail to make sure he was as comfortable as possible. I am doing this challenge, not only for the happy memories of my dad and I growing up, but also to give back to the ward that cared for him so well. I would like to give a special mention to Christina from the ward who was so attentive during this difficult time for my family.”

Kim, also swam competitively growing up and wanted to do the swim to not only support her friend and colleague, but also to give thanks to ward 621 and 625 who cared for her mother before she passed away five years ago.

Kim said: “My mum was a Nurse Auxiliary at Birmingham Women’s Hospital and she loved it. Unfortunately she developed Leukaemia and became very unwell, however it hadn’t been for the staff on 621 and 625 then I would have had to have given up work, so they allowed me to continue to be a nurse whilst she was ill. I want to especially thank Nicky Jones, Tim Wong and Dr Murray who gave my mum such excellent treatment.”

For more information and to sign up for the Great North Swim click here.

To support Fran and Kim click here.