Staff at the Royal Alexandra Hospital have come together to organise a special fundraising run in memory of a much-loved colleague who died after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Anton Buter, a respected Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, passed away two years ago following a diagnosis of bowel cancer.
A devoted husband and father of two, Anton was known across the hospital for his dedication to patients and his passion for improving palliative care.
Now, colleagues from theatres and departments across the hospital, led by close friend and fellow consultant Patrick MacGoey, are organising an inclusive 5k run on Saturday, 31st May, in his honour.
The event will begin at ON-X in Linwood and aims to raise money to improve Ward 28 at the RAH, which has been designated as a dedicated Surgical Palliative Care Unit.
Staff hope to enhance the ward environment by creating more private and comfortable spaces for patients and families, helping improve dignity and support during some of the most difficult moments people face.
More than £12,000 has already been raised through fundraising efforts linked to the event.
Patrick said: “Anton was not only an exceptional surgeon, but a great friend and colleague who meant a huge amount to all of us.
“He was a dedicated family man, a talented clinician and someone who cared deeply about his patients, particularly when it came to palliative care.
“He experienced that care himself at the RAH and at Accord Hospice, which only strengthened his belief in how important it is that patients and families are supported with compassion, dignity and the right environment.
“He was also a fantastic athlete, and that’s how we want to remember him, so it feels very fitting to bring people together for a run in his memory. We miss him dearly.”
Photo:Anton Buter, a respected Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, who is being remembered through a special fundraising 5k run organised by colleagues in Paisley
Photo Credit: NHSGGC
Patrick added: “This event is about honouring Anton, but also about supporting future patients. We want to improve Ward 28 so that people receiving palliative care, and their loved ones, have the privacy, comfort and space they deserve.”
The 5k run has been designed to be inclusive, with staff, patients, families and members of the public of all abilities encouraged to take part.
Funds raised will go directly towards improving facilities within the Surgical Palliative Care Unit, helping create a more hospice-style environment for patients and families.
People can donate through the team’s JustGiving page, here: https://www.justgiving.com/team/ward-28-rah or sign up for the event through Eventbrite, here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/5k-run-tickets-1983484834534.