Neville sets his own personal challenge as he heads off for the New York Marathon.
A
Bristol businessman is about to undertake the latest in a series of physical
challenges as he crosses the Atlantic this week to take part in the New York
Marathon (on Sunday, 7th November). Raising money for the
specialist Urology unit at the University College London Hospital (UCLH),
Neville Parnell has set up his own fund, the Parnell Fund Foundation, to say thank
you to UCLH for the expert treatment he has received over recent years from
their specialist medical teams.
Neville,
who is the owner of Hanham Garage in Longwell Green, is now well on the road to
recovery after extensive treatment and reconstructive surgery from consultant
urological surgeon Jeremy Ockrim, following a series of long-standing and
complex urological issues.
“Without
the expertise, skilful treatment and outstanding support of Mr Ockrim and the
UCLH specialist urology unit,” says Neville, “I could never have embarked on
the physical challenges I have set myself nor enjoy the quality of life I have
now. Raising funds will help enable the Urology unit to continue with
their research and be at the forefront of their field in helping people like
me.”
The
New York Marathon is the latest challenge being undertaken by Neville. Since
founding the Parnell Fund in September 2009, he has already raised over £7,500,
undertaking challenges including the London Parks Half Marathon, the Bath Half
Marathon, the Three Peaks 24 Hour Challenge and the 10 Mile Canoe Challenge on
the River Wye. Once he’s back from New York, he will begin training for his
2011 programme which includes the Edinburgh Marathon, climbing Mount
Kilimanjaro and canoeing from Bath to Westminster.
Jeremy
Ockrim, honorary senior lecturer at UCL and consultant urological surgeon adds:
“The Female and Reconstructive unit at UCLH is the largest centre of its kind
in the UK and provides expertise to urologists in England, Wales and abroad with
70% of its work referred from other hospitals. It has an international
reputation for urological research, outcome analysis, publication, as well as
teaching. We are very grateful to Mr Parnell for the funds he is
raising to help further our important work.”
Besides
raising funds for the UCLH Urology unit in undertaking these challenges,
Neville also hopes to tackle some of the taboos relating to urological issues
which men, in particular, are not so comfortable talking about – such as
bladder dysfunction, incontinence after prostrate surgery, prolapse and
congenital abnormalities that have chronic disabling effects on a person’s
life. It’s estimated by the NHS that up to 6 million people in the UK have some
degree of urinary incontinence.
The
Parnell Fund is a fund within the University College London Hospitals Charity
which is registered in England and Wales No. 229771.
To
find out more and to support the Parnell Fund for UCLH urology research,
visit www.parnellfund.org.
Private urology treatment news: 5 November 2010
