A FORMER primary school teacher from Kendal enjoyed something of a role reversal when she went to the aid of her doctor.

Accompanied by her parents, Katy travelled from her Kendal home to Fulwood Leisure Centre in Preston to help see oncologist Dr Stephen Kennedy through his first ever triathlon.

The 36-year-old consultant, who is based at the regional specialist cancer treatment centre, the Rosemere Cancer at the Royal Preston Hospital, took two hours to cycle 20k, run 5k and swim 750m, raising more than £750 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

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Dr Kennedy, alongside nurse specialists Jackie Tate and Alex Robson and clinical healthcare assistant Heather Dobson, were inspired to take on the challenge by none other than Katy, who undertook a similar feat in February when she raised more than £1,300 for the same charity at Kendal Leisure Centre.

Dr Kennedy, who has been Katy’s consultant since her diagnosis with a brain tumour two years ago, said: “Katy is amazing. She is our inspiration. When Katy told us about her triathlon and the money she had raised, we felt inspired to follow her lead but the triathlon has definitely taken me out of my comfort zone. I have discovered I especially hate running!”

For Katy, it was her turn to be the expert and hand out the advice, giving Dr Kennedy and his team a taste of their own medicine! Katy said: “It was a really magical day. I love the Rosemere staff. They are very caring and supportive from diagnosis to treatment and during the steps to recovery. I can’t thank them enough. They feel like family to me and I will continue to fundraise for their cause.”

The money raised by Dr Kennedy and his team will go to Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s March launched 20 Years Anniversary Appeal, which is celebrating Rosemere Cancer Centre’s 20th birthday and its coming of age year.

With its £1.5 million target, the appeal is the charity’s most ambitious yet. Through it, the charity has committed to bringing the world’s most advanced robotic surgical system to the centre.

It is also raising money for a state-of-the-art research facility there to enable more patients to participate in clinical trials. Taking part in a trial can give patients access to the newest medicines and therapies being researched and developed for the future – treatment they would not otherwise be able to have.

In addition, the appeal is raising money to redevelop Rosemere Cancer Centre’s in-patient Ribblesdale Ward. It is set to be transformed from a traditional Florence Nightingale style ward into a modern, home from home.

For further information on the appeal, how to donate, Rosemere Cancer Centre and Rosemere Cancer Foundation, whose work also extends to another eight hospitals in Lancashire and South Cumbria where cancer patients are treated, visit www.rosemere.org.uk