A team of Trust staff from County Durham are stepping up to take on a tough obstacle race in memory of a much-loved colleague.
Members of Durham and Darlington community rehab and recovery team will compete in Cancer Research UK’s Pretty Muddy 5K event later this month.
The group is raising money in honour of treasured colleague Hazel Thompson, a community support worker described as “simply the best” by staff and patients.
“Hazel was a unique, one-of-a-kind soul who constantly went over and beyond for the people around her,” said friend and colleague Sharon Bladen.
“She was so compassionate, so caring and we all miss her. Her absence leaves a profound void, but her incredible legacy of care continues to live on in our hearts.”
Warm and compassionate to all
The community rehab team, which is based at Lanchester Road Hospital in Durham, helps to support local service users regain their independence and work towards personal recovery goals.
Now, staff are turning that same spirit of encouragement towards one another as they prepare to lace up their trainers and take on the muddy challenge.
Team members come from a range of ages and fitness levels, with some returning to running after years away and others starting from scratch.
“The race is all about supporting each other, looking after one another and having fun – which is what Hazel would have wanted,” said team manager Siobhan Fairs.
“Hazel was so warm, caring, kind and compassionate. She was an amazing person who did great work, and we wanted to do something to honour her memory.”
Team spirit honours Hazel
Paisley-born Hazel enjoyed a varied career, including a spell in a family business in America, before joining our Trust’s Primrose Lodge rehabilitation unit in Chester-le-Street.
She later moved on to the community rehab team at Durham, where her warmth, compassion and professionalism made a lasting impact on staff and patients.
“Hazel was an incredible colleague. Her passing deeply affected our team, and brought us closer together,” said occupational therapist Emma Davis.
“Taking part in the race feels like a meaningful way to honour Hazel, as well as to support our colleagues, friends and loved ones who are also affected by cancer.”
Hazel, who was devoted to her family and a proud grandmother, was just 52 when she died from glioblastoma – an aggressive form of brain cancer – last September.
“We want to honour Hazel’s character and legacy,” Emma said. “She always wanted to make a difference — and this is our way of continuing that.”
Simply the best
Team members are hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for research into cancer by taking part in the race on June 27, which is being held at Herrington Country Park in Sunderland.
“Hazel’s warm and caring presence is missed by all who knew her, and this is our way of honouring her kindness and dedication to excellent care,” added Siobhan.
“Her photos are on display in our main office and staff often place fresh flowers in her memory. Hazel was a very special person, I always think of her as simply the best.”
Hazel’s husband Gary said: “I think what her colleagues are doing in her memory is remarkable, and I’d like to thank them all. Hazel would be so proud of each and every one of them.
“I miss my wife every single day and she leaves a void which can never be filled. Finding a cure for this savage disease is so important.”
- To make a donation in memory of Hazel please use this Cancer Research UK fundraising link.
