Susie's Big Shave

Susie's Big Shave!

On 17th July 2010 I will be shaving my head to raise money for the P2 ward (Fund no. 4275-ward P2) at the Royal Hallamshire hospital in Sheffield, which deals with all gastro enquiries.

The shave will be taking place at 2-4pm at All Saints Ecclesall Parish Church where there will also be cakes for sale and live acoustic sets from some great Sheffield artists!

More info on the cause

The department of Gastroenterology at the Hallamshire Hospital is an acknowledged centre of excellence, providing services to cover the entire range of gastrointestinal conditions including endoscopy. This service deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the digestive system including abdominal pain, ulcers and cancer. Gastroenterologists perform complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are required. The department is renowned nationally and has pioneered a number of unique endoscopic techniques. Expertise includes investigation and treatment of acid reflux, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel diseases, coeliac disease and pancreatic disease. It also provides one of the country’s only Capsule Endoscopy services to investigate suspected small bowel disease such as gastrointestinal bleeding, suspected Crohn’s disease, and familial polyposis.

It's not the most glamorous of wards. Patients often have to undergo very uncomfortable and embarrassing procedures to find the source of their digestive problems, which have sometimes gone undiagnosed for some time. The staff there are some of the only people willing to listen to your bowel complaints (a subject not many people want to talk about!), and don't give up in trying to find the source of your difficulties.

On a personal level, it is this department that have investigated me over the last couple of years. Despite all my symptoms pointing towards a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, several procedures were unable to find it. The doctors didn't give up though and referred me to have a capsule endoscopy- a painless and ingenious piece of technology that finally enabled me to be diagnosed. This isn't a cheap procedure and Sheffield is one of the only places in the country that offers it. People I met in hospital had come from all over the country to get help from this ward and they weren't disappointed. One woman said she would've had to wait over six months to have the all investigations carried out that they did in one day at the Hallamshire.

I want to raise money for the care of those you rarely hear about. This is something that could affect you one day and the progress of technology and new treatments could help a close relative or friend get back to living a normal life. It would be great if you could sponsor me- I'll be shaving my head for this cause! To do so via Just Giving (a quick and easy way to give money to charity online) click on the link at the side of my page.

For more details please contact susieisonfire@hotmail.co.uk

Thanks x