Press release – 24 July 2019
2019/029

Patients complete 1,000 mile D-Day car rally to raise funds for Hereford County Hospital

Two local patients have completed more than a 1,000 mile round trip to Normandy in a vintage car rally to commemorate the 75^th D-Day anniversary and raise £1,500 for Hereford County Hospital.

The pair, Brian Bedford and Bruce Albright, were joined by 35 Ford vintage car enthusiasts for a three day rally challenge from 24 May to 27 May 2019, which included notable sites such as the Pegasus Bridge in Brian’s 1984 Ford Granada ex police car, fully restored and in immaculate condition.

74 year old Brian Bedford, from Ullingswick, who has recently undergone chemotherapy treatment for bowel cancer at the Macmillan Cancer Unit at Hereford County Hospital, said: “The care I received was second to none and the staff in the unit were always helpful and kind, so I really felt I wanted to give something back”.

The duo has raised £1,500 for Hereford County Hospital’s charitable fund, which includes a £500 donation from their employer at Brightwell's in Leominster,

68 year old Bruce Albright, from Bishop’s Castle, who has been a urology patient at the hospital, added: “We would like to thank all of the local businesses who have helped make the trip possible and everyone who has kindly donated”.

Katie Farmer, Wye Valley NHS Trust Fundraiser, said: “This was a fantastic way to mark the 75^th D-Day anniversary whilst also raising money for the Trust’s charitable funds, which will help enhance the care and facilities we provide for patients.  We wish to thank Brian, Bruce, Brightwell’s in Leominster, and those who helped with this fundraising event”.

Photo
Left to right: Richard Binnersely, Managing Director of Brightwells Leominster who sponsored £500, Brian Bedford and Bruce Albright, before they set off on their journey.

Ends

Notes to Editors WVT:

• Wye Valley NHS Trust is a provider of health services across Herefordshire and beyond. The Trust exists to improve the wellbeing, independence and health of the people we serve.
• By working closely with our partners, we can make good our promise to deliver a quality of care we would want for ourselves, our families and our friends.
• With an estimated annual turnover of around £185 million, we employ around 3,000 staff. We aim to build new relationships between our staff, patients, service users and their carers with the wider community.

For further information please contact:

Fiona Gurney, communications officer or John Burnett, Communication and Engagement Manager, Wye Valley NHS Trust: 01432 372928