Fundraiser remembered with special plaque

A fundraiser who spearheaded a local charity which raised thousands of pounds for heart patients has been remembered at Scunthorpe General Hospital.

Mickie O’Toole, herself a heart patient for a number of years, was the brainchild and driving force behind CRIG – the Cardiac Rehabilitation Interest Group. It was a local charity raising money for the people of North Lincolnshire. 

It was formed in 2002 by Mickie, together with a small group of other people who had all experienced heart problems of one kind or another, and over the years raised more than £300,000. Mickie sadly died in 2017 and the charity folded at the end of last year. 

Its last donation has recently been made with £13,000 given to the hospital’s charity, The Health Tree Foundation (HTF). The money has been used to buy heart monitors and lead aprons for when staff need to x-ray patients.

HTF charity manager Victoria Winterton said: “Mickie was an inspirational woman who lived life to the full and always wanted to help other people. She was the driving force behind CRIG and, together with the other members, raised a phenomenal amount of money over the years.

“It was a privilege to accept the last ever donation from CRIG and it will be used to help other heart patients who come through our doors. In honour of the work Mickie did over the years we wanted to have a lasting memory of her so have unveiled a plaque outside the cardio respiratory unit with her name on it.”

Mickie’s husband Patrick O’Toole said: “We are honoured to have this plaque placed in the hospital where Mickie did so much to help other patients. She was an inspiration to all who met her and we are grateful to have her memory celebrated in this way.”

Anyone who would like to raise money for cardiology (heart) services at the hospital please contact HTF community champion Hayley Thompson on 03033 305672 or email: Hayley.thompson3@nhs.net.