BJJ Rollathon raises £5.5k for Doncaster Chemotherapy Unit

Keen to do something which would keep her loving father’s memory alive, Emma set out on her fundraising journey, supported by Neil White, owner of Doncaster Martial Arts Centre (DMAC). A 24-hour rollathon was planned to take place at the gym. A test of resilience, the rollathon was a fitting tribute to David, who showed incredible resilience and mental strength towards the end of his treatment at the Chatsfield Suite.

Spurring each other on, members of DMAC completed a whole day on the mats, and managed to raise an incredible £5,500. Emma also organised a raffle in which entrants could win private tutoring sessions with Neil and his son, Chris.

Such was David’s positive influence on those around him, everyone who attended the rollathon gave generously towards the donation which was made in his name. Fighters from neighbouring gyms also attended the event and the final total was boosted by a generous £500 donation from Grimsby Martial Arts Centre, £250 from Armthorpe Academy and £380 from Saria limited (previously Propser De Mulders). Neil White also contributed £500 to the final total.

Emma Richardson, David’s daughter, said: “I was overwhelmed by how many people turned out to raise money in Dad’s name. I think it helped a lot of people as everybody has been affected by cancer at some point, whether directly or through someone they love. Handing the cheque over felt good – like we had all achieved something together that will endure for the future. Dad always wanted a bit of the spotlight and I know he would have loved this.”

The money raised will be used to purchase comfort items for the Chatsfield Suite to further improve the environment for patients receiving treatment there. Lara Cunnane, Ward Manager of the Chatsfield Suite, said: “Our goal is to make our treatment areas feel like a home-from-home. Our patients spend a lot of time here and donations such as this one help us to provide home comforts that can help to distract from the clinical environment.”

The funds will be used to erect some tree murals in the area where patients receive blood transfusions. A lengthy treatment, blood transfusions require patients to attend long appointments and these items will help to keep them occupied and to create a more serene environment. It will also allow the unit to install LED ceiling tiles and virtual scenes to soften the clinical environment.

Lara said: “David was an absolute pleasure to care for. He was always positive and was renowned for supporting other patients through their darkest moments. This donation is such a fitting legacy for him as it will allow us to brighten up the unit as he so often did with his charm and positivity.”

Previous donations to the Chatsfield Suite have funded a family room and the renovation of an outdoor space into a tranquil garden, which is an exclusive space for patients and family members to get some fresh air during treatments.

If you would like to know more about how you can support Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity to deliver projects like this one, head to dbthcharity.co.uk