Zoey’s race to spread some Santa cheer

In training . . . Zoey prepares for the Blackpool Illuminations 10k run

HEALTH visitor Zoey Stansfield is putting her best foot forward to make sure patients on her ward at the Royal Oldham Hospital get some Christmas cheer.

The 35-year-old mother-of-three works on F6, a urology ward, and joins her colleagues in dipping into their pockets to treat patients at Christmas or on special occasions.

She said: “It’s always the same people who contribute, so I thought it would be a good idea to get a kitty started so we have some money to buy gifts.” Zoey is following in the footsteps of her marathon-runner father Stephen Corbett, and plans to take part in the Blackpool Illuminations 10k run in September to start it off.

“I’m hoping to get £500 in sponsorship, but whatever comes in will be good,” said Zoey, who lives with her family in Windermere Walk, Greenacres.

She explained: “Many people feel isolated from friends, family and their usual routine when in hospital. It’s magnified on occasions like Christmas, birthdays or a wedding anniversary.

“It brought it home to me when I got married last year and I got cards from 10 patients wishing me all the best.

“Some patients have family and some don’t, and it’s nice just to be able to do a bit of something for them.”

Sponsorship forms are available from F6, or you can make a donation by visiting www.justgiving.com/zoeystansfield