A HOSPITAL in Haslemere for people with severe disabilities has thanked triathlete fundraisers who raised more than £6,000.

Lucy O’Donnell, from Haslemere, who ran, cycled and swam her way to raising funds for Holy Cross, visited the Shottermill hospital to see for herself how her efforts will help patients.

In June, Lucy and 10 friends formed ‘Petarnella’s Pistons’ when the team, took part in the Haslemere Bumpy Triathlon to raise money for the hospital.

Lucy and friends completed the exhausting event – a sprint featuring a 200-metre swim, 20-kilometre cycle ride and five-kilometre run in June through the South Downs National Park, and at Haslemere Leisure Centre.

“We chose to support Holy Cross Hospital because of the incredible work it does to help people with severe disabilities,” said Lucy.

“Many of its patients have suffered brain injury as result of a stroke or an accident - something that could happen to any of us at any time. The hospital’s team of specialist staff provide the highest level of treatment and care and give each person the best possible chance of improving their quality of life and preventing further deterioration in their condition."

The hospital plans to use the money Lucy and her team raised to improve the way patients receive oxygen and suction therapy.

Holy Cross chief executive Christopher Hinton said: "Many of our patients need additional oxygen and suction as part of their care and treatment.

“We currently provide oxygen from cylinders, which is costly in terms of time and money and less than ideal for staff and patients. Suction is given via portable machines, which are vulnerable to damage.

“Thanks to Lucy’s donation, we hope to install piped oxygen and suction in patients’ rooms.

“This will be a much more efficient and sustainable system and by removing the need to use cylinders, patients’ rooms will feel homelier and comfortable too.

“I’m enormously grateful to Lucy and her friends for their efforts and to the many people who sponsored them.” 

During their visit, Lucy and Marcos Petarnella, who was the team leader and personal trainer for Petarnella’s Pistons, were welcomed by staff and members of the Friends of Holy Cross.

As a thank-you, they were presented with a certificate and heard how the oxygen and suction project will help patients. Lucy’s fundraising page at www.justgiving.com /fundraising/PetarnellasPistons is still open for donations.