5k Across the Bay

Around 40 nurses, doctors and NHS staff from Cornwall took part in the very first 5k Across the Bay swimming event, raising vital funds for a new robotic surgery programme to support Treliske Hospital’s surgery unit.

RCHT colorectal surgeon and bowel cancer lead Nick with his family after the swim.

In a collaborative effort between Sure Swim Kernow and Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT), the swim took place on Saturday, 8th July, starting at Rosemullion Head and swimming over to ‘Silver Steps’ under Pendennis Castle.

Falmouth Life caught up with swimmer, colorectal surgeon and bowel cancer lead for RCHT Nick Battersby at Swanpool beach.

“It’s a new swimming event, and none of the participants had done a swim like this before,” Nick said. “There were 40 of us, and all participants work in the hospital, or swim with Sure Swim Kernow.”

The event raised money for a robot that would support the work being done in the surgery department of Treliske Hospital, for conditions such as bowel cancer and women’s health including endometriosis. Nick said: “We’re the hospital that serves the whole of Cornwall, that’s a huge catchment area, and it’s the reason we’re one of the highest volume units in the UK - which can be a good thing because you get a lot of expertise in one unit. However, from a bowel cancer perspective, we’re now the only unit in the top 20 units in the UK that doesn’t have a robot.”

The swimmers make their way across the bay. Pictures: Cornwall Adventure Photography

With Cornish patients now having to travel to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth for some conditions, such as prostate cancer, RCHT wants to ‘catch up’ and deliver the best care for patients in the county, without them having to travel elsewhere to receive treatment. The total cost of the robot is £3-million, and it’s hoped that this will be achieved with more fundraising and support from major donors.

Over 600 people donated to the 5k Across the Bay fundraiser, raising £15,000. “We’re delighted with how the event has gone, and the amount of support we’ve had,” Nick said. “It’s a cause that resonates with Cornwall. I sincerely thank every swimmer, every member of the support crew, those who helped to promote the event and those who donated to the cause for their huge contribution to improving patient care for the Cornish population."

You can still donate by going to www.justgiving.com/campaign/rcht5kbay