John Hogg Funeral Directors teams in Sunderland are preparing and bracing themselves for a chilly Boxing Day dip. They’re doing it, not only to raise some much needed funds and awareness for the Sunderland Royal Hospital’s Cancer Patient Support Team, but also in support of a friend and member of the John Hogg team, Steve Gunby, who himself, is currently undergoing chemotherapy for Myeloma – which is a form of cancer which thins bones.
Steve said ‘After hurting my back whilst lifting, an X-ray found I had fractured my spine. Further tests revealed I have Myeloma, a very individual type of cancer which thins your bones and explains why my back fractured’.
Steve has been truly humbled by the support he’s received, especially from the Phoenix Unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital, Macmillan Cancer Care, friends and family but also his work colleagues at John G Hogg funeral directors. ‘They wanted to do something in support, came up with the team name “Gunby’s Gunners,” and decided to do the Boxing Day dip, to help raise money for Sunderland Cancer Patient Support; who not only assist you through your treatment practically and emotionally, but your family too’.
The team of 20 people who are preparing to brave the chill are not only doing this for their friend, but also in memory of all the people they have had the privilege to care for at John Hogg Funeral Directors.
‘It’s often easy to lose sight of the impact a cancer diagnosis can have on your immediate family. Without the combined help of everyone concerned, this journey would be a very different experience.
Any donations would be most gratefully received in support of City Hospitals Sunderland’.
If you would like to support the fantastic work of Sunderland Royal Hospital’s Cancer Care, or for further information, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/steve-gunby