4 September 2023

A Queen Alexandra (QA) Hospital employee whose dad needed a life-saving kidney transplant, is giving back to healthcare staff by completing this October’s Great South Run for Portsmouth Hospitals Charity.

Tom Weeks, a Workforce Transformation Manager at Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust (PHU) will run the race just 6 miles from where his 82-year-old father Jim was cared for by QA's renal teams.

Working for the NHS since 2010, Tom - who runs three times a week - says thanks to actions taken by PHU staff, his dad’s quality of life has transformed after managing a deteriorating kidney condition for more than 15 years including using a home dialysis machine.

Picture above: Tom Weeks' dad Jim and daughter Phoebe

The 46-year-old said: “Thanks to the great support of the hospital’s renal teams, Dad went on the kidney transplant list and in May 2022 was given a match, which we’ll remember forever as it was also my daughter’s sixth birthday.

“It was a nervous time, but everything was successful and both the care received and staff’s kindness was heart-warming.

“It’s amazing just a year on, Dad enjoys a superior life and his energy now is no comparison.”

Picture above: Tom Weeks and his partner Emily at the 2023 Exbury 10k

Father-of-two Tom says the quality time his dad’s care has given his whole family is a key reason why he is fundraising for Portsmouth Hospitals Charity.

Tom, who lives in Fareham, added: “I want to ensure my effort is used to benefit the brilliant Portsmouth Hospital staff.”

Kate Sandys, Head of Portsmouth Hospitals Charity, said: “We are delighted Tom and his family have benefited from the excellent patient care at Queen Alexandra Hospital and have decided to give back to further enhance patient care and staff wellbeing across our Trust.

“So, if like Tom you feel like completing the Great South Run - which is perfect for both beginners and experienced runners and is a chance to get your personal best time - join our team now as places are selling quickly.”

Donate to Tom

If you would like to donate to Tom’s Great South Run fundraising page, log on to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Tom-Weeks9.

Sign up to the Great South Run

Find out more and sign up to Portsmouth Hospitals Charity’s Great South Run team online at https://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/charity/events/great-south-run.htm.