Date of release: 6th May 2026
Half Marathon fundraising effort
A fundraising Orthopaedic Surgeon is getting set to run a half marathon – just weeks after finishing chemotherapy at New Cross Hospital’s Snowdrop Unit. Catriona was diagnosed with breast cancer last November and has undergone 20 weeks of chemotherapy, ahead of surgery, planned for June this year. She has credited the “amazing” staff in the unit with helping her get through her treatment and this is why she has chosen to raise money for Snowdrop staff and patients.
She is due to compete in the Chester Half Marathon on Sunday 17 May as part of the Chester Triple series, an event she had signed up for before she received her diagnosis. She did a 10k in March, whilst halfway through chemotherapy and, after May’s event she will take on the marathon in October to make up the triple.
Mum of four Catriona explained that while her original aim was to try for a Personal Best at each event, she is now more focused on completing the challenges.
“I have always enjoyed looking after myself by keeping active and running. Following my diagnosis, keeping my fitness has helped me psychologically feel I’m doing something to fight back,” explained Catriona who works at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Shropshire.
“I have been keeping up my exercise during chemotherapy and even though I’ve had to adapt and take things slower I think it has helped manage the side effects of chemotherapy. The staff in the Snowdrop Unit have also played a major part in getting me through my chemo. The team is beyond amazing. They put you at ease from the moment you walk through the door. They are incredibly supportive and keep everybody’s spirits up. I don’t think they realise what an important role they play in people’s chemotherapy journeys.”
Catriona has chosen different charities for each element of the Chester Triple and it’s the turn of the Snowdrop Unit for the Chester Half Marathon, through your RWTC, The Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s charity.
“I want to give something back to the patients and staff on the unit and for the staff to know how important they were to me,” said Catriona whose son George was among pupils from Wolverhampton Grammar School who raised funds for the Neonatal Unit at New Cross last year by completing the 170 mile, 24-hour “Coast 2 Coast 2025” Challenge: St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay.
The Chester Half Marathon will see Catriona supported by another team – of friends and relatives – made up of Rozie Hunter, Karen Jones, Iain Greenfield, Paul Jermin and Andy Bing.
“They will help motivate me and I’m thrilled they’re getting involved,” added Catriona, whose husband Richard Heaver is a Neonatal Consultant at New Cross Hospital.
Her just giving page has been set up Catriona Heaver is fundraising for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity and has already raised more than £900.
Amanda Winwood, Charity Development Manager, said:
“All the best to Catriona as she takes on this challenge, we really appreciate her wanting to give back to Snowdrop Unit following the support she received there.
“We hope people will get behind her and sponsor her efforts which will help other patients undergoing chemotherapy.”