Hertfordshire surgeon praises cancer survivor who raised money on walk

A woman who walked 33 miles in one day to raise money for the hospitals that treated her has been described as an inspiration by her surgeon.

Linda Pottinger, 62, from Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in June 2023.

She wanted to raise funds for Raise, a charity that supports hospitals in west Hertfordshire.

Consultant colorectal and general surgeon Drostan Cheetham said: "I'm very inspired by this lady."

He added: "She's been phenomenal, she's an inspiration to the medical force to keep going and use her strength to keep doing things."

Ms Pottinger wanted to raise money for the hospital after being impressed with how it demonstrated "empathy and humanity in spades".

The 62-year-old walked between all the hospitals she was treated at including: Watford General Hospital, Mount Vernon Hospital, Hemel Hempstead Hospital and St Albans City Hospital.

She said: "It's been brilliant, I've been stoked up by the support I've had from everybody.

"I almost consider what happened to me last year as a blessing, it brought positive things back into my life that have been missing for a long time."

She praised Mr Cheetham for putting her at ease with his sense of humour while she was in his care.

The divisional director of surgery, anaesthetics and cancer joined his former patient for the last three miles of the walk.

He noted it was the first time he has been involved with a patient's fundraiser.

Mr Cheetham joked: "She said 'will you walk 10 miles with me' and I said 'let's haggle'.

"I am now vetting my patients to make sure they don't go on long walks."

He explained it was "really inspirational" walking with his former patient and hearing about how she was supported by his team.

He said: "One individual doesn't do this, it's the team that gave her the huge support... We worked hard at West Herts to get that team and it clicked and it works."

Ms Pottinger raised over £5,600 for the charity.

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