FUNDRAISERS will be hitting the streets in a mad dash in a bid to raise £10,000 for a fund that helps support medical research and neonatal care.
A `Big Push' of support is needed for a special trolley dash that is taking place on Sunday, October 10 to swell the coffers of the Grace Research Fund.
Teams of four are needed to join in the event, which sees a dash from two departure points;- the maternity units at the George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton and Warwick Hospital, to the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.
It is hoped that as many people as possible will form a team, decorate their own trolley and join in the madcap dash.
The Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, councillor Don Navarro, will wave off the participants from the George Eliot Hospital and Peter Deeley, chairman of the Deeley Group, will see off the teams at Warwick Hospital.
All of the charity-minded people taking part will be greeted at the finishing line outside the maternity unit at University Hospital by Phil Townshend, chairman of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.
Not only will he be welcoming everyone over the finishing line, but the chair will also present prizes to the team that raises the most money and those who have the best decorated trolley as well as hand over a wooden spoon to the slowest team.
Last year, £7,000 was collected by 12 teams for the Grace Research Fund which helps premature babies and their families at the George Eliot Hospital, University Hospital and Warwick Hospital.
Dr Andy Coe, consultant paediatrician at University Hospital, said it was hoped around 30 teams would enter this year.
"This is one of the biggest fundraising events that we hold for the Grace Research Fund each year," he said.
"The sponsored trolley push is always great fun and three pubs have kindly agreed to open their doors along the way to provide refreshments and we are grateful to Laurie Howe (Virgins & Castle), James Clarke (Whitefriars, Coventry), Colin Maynard (Longford Engine) and Vince Quinn (Walsgrave Social Club) for their support.
"The Big Push will finish with a much deserved welcome reception at the Walsgrave Social Club which is situated on University Hospital site.
"We hope to raise the most we ever have done from the shopping trolley dash along the streets of Coventry and Warwickshire for the Grace Research Fund.
"The Grace Research Fund relies entirely on donations and if there are any teams who would like to take part then it is not too late."
People who want to take part can get registration forms by emailing graceresearchfund@warwick.ac.uk or by contacting 024 7696 6680 and leaving a message.
