Celebration for Kate a very fitting tribute

THE life of influential doctor Kate Granger was celebrated at a party which raised more than £1,000 for St Gemma's Hospice on the night alone.
Dr Kate Granger.Dr Kate Granger.
Dr Kate Granger.

Dr Granger captured the attention of the nation by writing about her experiences with illness as an NHS patient and had a huge impact on many in the health world.

She had planned the celebration before her death and told her husband she wanted “no tears” at the event.

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Instead there was a performance from the NHS Choir, dancing and much chance to celebrate Dr Granger on Saturday night at Aspire in Leeds.

News presenter Duncan Wood, left, and Chris Pointon, husband of the late Kate Granger.News presenter Duncan Wood, left, and Chris Pointon, husband of the late Kate Granger.
News presenter Duncan Wood, left, and Chris Pointon, husband of the late Kate Granger.

Her husband, Chris Pointon, said: “Everybody had a good time celebrating Kate’s life. I think it was a very fitting tribute. It was how she would have wanted it.”

Dr Granger launched the #hellomynameis campaign to promote compassionate care and get medics to introduce themselves to patients after her own experiences.

Her campaign for more personalised and compassionate care has been supported all over the world and 400,000 health workers across 90 organisations are now backing the drive.

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She was recognised with an MBE and awards including a Special Achievement Award from the BMJ.

News presenter Duncan Wood, left, and Chris Pointon, husband of the late Kate Granger.News presenter Duncan Wood, left, and Chris Pointon, husband of the late Kate Granger.
News presenter Duncan Wood, left, and Chris Pointon, husband of the late Kate Granger.

Before her death from a rare form of cancer at the age of 34 earlier this year, she also raised more than £250,000 for the Yorkshire Cancer Centre in Leeds along with her husband.

Calendar news presenter Duncan Wood hosted Saturday’s celebration in aid of the Moortown hospice where Dr Granger died.

Mr Pointon said: “I do not think it could have gone better.”

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Tracie Harrison, head of individual giving at St Gemma’s, said it had been a privilege for staff to meet and care for the consultant, from East Ardsley.

She said every penny donated would be used to provide the highest level of care for patients as well as support for their family and friends.

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