Doctor takes on marathon run for breast cancer research
Dr Kavita Dhingra was inspired to run the London Marathon back in 2013 to thank the hospital for its support in the early years of her career.
Kavita, holding her London Marathon finisher's medal
She worked at Guy's and St Thomas' as a junior doctor in the paediatrics department from 1999 to 2001 and remembers it as being like a family. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she shares her remarkable story.
Kavita chose to raise funds for breast cancer research after being found to have the BRCA gene, carriers of which are at high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Kavita was told that her odds of having breast cancer were 85%, so she opted to have a double mastectomy.
Kavita recollects her memorable run here.
Support and motivation as a junior doctor
‘The staff I met through my 18 months at Guy’s and St Thomas’ were the most dedicated individuals I’ve ever known. To see staff always giving 100%, both physically and emotionally, was hugely motivating at the start of my career.
‘The hospital does an amazing job but it needs additional funds to go the extra mile – whether that’s in patient care or research.
‘I’d always watched the London Marathon as a child and was inspired by the super-heroes (both in and out of costume) I witnessed running, walking and crawling the 26 miles around London’s beautiful landscape. In 2013, I turned 40 and I wanted to mark it positively as I had been diagnosed with the BRCA gene four years previously.’
Raising £10,000 for breast cancer research
‘I ran the race alone but fundraised with a friend from Dubai, Nicky, who encouraged me during the painful months of training. Together Nicky and I raised £10,000 through the generosity of our friends and family’.
‘I hope that our collected funds will help with breast cancer research so that if any of my children are diagnosed with a mutated BRCA gene, they may benefit from as yet undiscovered medical options.
‘For the marathon itself, I travelled from Dubai alone, incredibly anxious, leaving my husband and three gorgeous children at home. On the tube ride to the marathon, I met loads of people, all with their own touching stories.
‘The 12 miles following the halfway mark were the hardest of my life. I shed tears and remembered the past four years and their challenges. I have three young children and need to live a long, healthy life for them.’
Please note, unfortunately, we are unable to take any telephone calls or process any donations by telephone for the immediate and foreseeable future. You can still donate by credit/debit card and/or make a regular gift by Direct Debit. You can also send a cheque too. Thank you very much for your support. We hugely appreciate it.
Go Online through ourdonation page, make a one-off payment or set up a monthly direct debit.
Or by bank transfer, please contact our Supporter Care team via email info@supportgstt.org.uk and we can provide the relevant details.
If you would like to send a donation by cheque, please make this payable to Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital Charity.
If you can include a covering letter with your contact details as well as reasons for donations and what you would like it to be put towards, we will write to you and let you know when the donation has been received.
Please send the cheque to this address:
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Fundraising Team
Fundraising Team
Virginia Woolf Building
22 Kingsway, 2nd Floor
London
Can you claim Gift Aid on my donation?
Your donations are only eligible for Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer and we have a record of your postcode and donation amount. You must also tick the Gift Aid box on our sponsorship forms (Virgin Money Giving / Just Giving) and donation page.
Please note that we are unable to claim Gift Aid on ticket sales, raffle sales, corporate sponsorship, and sale of goods or auction proceeds.
Can I donate to a specific ward/department within the hospital?
If you would like to help a specific ward or department, we will do our best to find the most appropriate fund for your donation to go towards.
Please note that once a donation has been allocated to a specific fund, we are unable to change this at a later date.
Contact us via email at info@supportgstt.org.uk. Please note that once a donation has been allocated to a specific fund, we are unable to change this at a later date.
If you would like to discuss this more over the phone and find out how we can help, please email our Supporter Care Team at info@supportgstt.org.uk.
What is your charity number?
Guy's and St Thomas' Charity. Registered Charity No. 1160316.
Company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 9341980.
Evelina London Children's Hospital is part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.
What happens to my personal details?
All the personal information about our supporters we collect is processed and stored in accordance with GDPR 2018, and all other applicable data protection laws and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, the Privacy and Electronic Communication Regulations (PECR).
If you need a new tin, collection bucket or security seal sticker, then please let us know by contacting us via email at info@supportgstt.org.uk and we can send a replacement out to you. Please note, we currently have limited stock on some items, and there may be some delays with deliveries.
How can I volunteer?
Fundraising volunteers are vital to our work at Guy's and St Thomas’ Hospital Charity. You can volunteer with us on events, awareness days, in general or even work with the Fundraising Team.
All our opportunities support our fundraising work and activities, we do not organise volunteering within the hospital. If this is what you are interested in please visit the Guy’s and St Thomas' volunteering page.
Policy for returning donations
We work hard to ensure you have the best supporter journey when you make a donation. Unfortunately, under charity law (The Charities Act 2011) we are unable to refund donations, other than in specific circumstances.
If you believe that a donation you have made should be refunded, then please email info@supportgstt.org.uk and we can advise on what we can do.
Well done Tony, you are a truely amazing little soul!
Tony! What an inspiration you are, so young, so brave and doing incredible things. Keep going and well done for absolutely smashing your target; it is going to an amazing cause and we love watching your journey. You can do it! X x
Dear Tony, what a beautiful, special, precious little boy you are. You are very brave and strong. You are an inspiration to us all. I hope your legs feel good and help you take on your challenge. You can do it!!👍🥰 I've donated because you made me so proud. Lots of love always Jude xxx
You are such an amazing superhero! Keep up the wonderful things you are doing!😀👍🚑🏃
Well done Tony on your 10km walk. We followed your progress. You are a brave little boy. We wish you well! Love xx
You are amazing and an inspiration to everyone - there's nothing you can't do or achieve in this life! Thank you so much