Story
On June 10th, Mo's Misfits will be taking on the Darlington Race for Life. Our team work at the local Chemotherapy Unit where professionally we daily see the impact of cancer on patients and their families. This year cancer hit us personally with the death of our Manager, Maureen. Maureen was an exceptional nurse. She genuinely cared deeply for the patients she nursed and this motivated her to strive for the highest standards of care. As a manager she inspired us all with the example of her own practice; teaching and mentoring us to achieve our potential. She was the best of leaders, combing a clear vision for service development with a real heart for the people involved, and always prepared to get hands on. Having had treatment for her own illness and returned to work, it was a true privilege to witness the compassion and empathy she demonstrated to patients. It is hardly surprising that her memorial service was attended by many patients and colleagues who respected and loved her alike. But to us she was Mo. The head of our 'work family'. Always approachable and always ready to listen. Often with a joke. Sometimes with a necessary rap on the knuckles. She brought us together, Mo's Misfits. Different ages, skills and personalities, but united a team capable of delivering the kind of great care she believed in. United too in grieving for her loss; we still can't quite believe she's gone. But Maureen deserves to be celebrated for the life she lived. So we will run, jog and walk the Race for Life course together, remembering the wonderful colleague and fantastic friend she was. Any donations you are able to give would be so appreciated and go directly to Cancer Research. The charity slogan reads 'Together we will beat cancer' and as Maureen spent her professional life working to beat cancer, let's raise a fitting tribute to her.