Bookham couple rally community support for hospital fundraiser
Gemma and Darren Frost from Bookham, Surrey, are calling on their local community to support a heartfelt fundraising challenge in aid of the charity at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH).
Gemma, 50, was diagnosed at just seven years old with a rare bone condition known as Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia after suffering two fractures. The condition occurs when normal bone is replaced with fibrous tissue, leading to weakened, painful and sometimes deformed bones. “The condition affects the bones in my legs and causes me pain and mobility issues,” explains Gemma.
Since 2005, Gemma has been under the care of RNOH as both an outpatient and more recently as an inpatient for treatment. Although there is no cure for her condition, Gemma says the hospital team works tirelessly to manage her mobility and pain. Over the years, she has undergone numerous scans, X-rays, blood tests and infusions, as well as two recent bone-grafting surgeries. She has also received support from the hospital’s physiotherapy and psychology departments.
“I cannot praise the staff at this hospital enough and don’t know where I would be without them,” she says. “They don’t give up.”
To show his gratitude and raise vital funds for the hospital’s RNOH Charity, Gemma’s husband Darren is taking on the charity’s annual ‘Move in March’ challenge. He is determined to walk 100 miles across the 31 days of March.
“This is his way of helping to support the hospital charity that has and will continue to support me over the years,” says Gemma.
Darren will be clocking up the miles by parking further away from work and walking in during the week, as well as heading out on long weekend walks. His routes will include local favourites such as Norbury Park and other accessible destinations where Gemma can join him in her wheelchair, including Horsham Park and trips to the coast.
Proud Gemma adds: “Darren is getting great support for his challenge and I’m absolutely positive he will do well!”
The couple are now hoping to drum up even more community backing as Darren takes on his 100-mile mission. They are encouraging local residents to show their support and help raise funds for RNOH Charity, ensuring it can continue providing life-changing care to patients like Gemma.
You can show your support and leave them a message on their page here:
RNOH Charity is dedicated to supporting the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, one of the UK’s leading centres for neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. One in three of us is affected and the Charity helps fund advanced medical technology and enhanced patient care to ensure that RNOH continues to offer the best possible treatment for all patients.