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Nurse at QEQM in Margate taking on charity challenge after losing husband to blood cancer

A senior critical care nurse is taking on a charity challenge in memory of her late husband.

Rani Ullyett, a sister on the intensive care unit at Margate's QEQM hospital, sadly lost her husband of 20 years, Chris, to blood cancer.

Rani Ullyett with her late husband Chris. Picture: East Kent Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Rani Ullyett with her late husband Chris. Picture: East Kent Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Now, the mum-of-four from Herne Bay is planning to walk 100km throughout April to raise money for Myeloma UK - the charity which supported her and her husband following his diagnosis with the cancer.

Mrs Ullyett has already raised hundreds of pounds by tackling a tandem sky-dive, a wing-walk and abseiling from the 156m-high Forth Road bridge in Scotland.

She is now taking part in Myeloma UK's Four Nations, One Team challenge which sees people race to complete a 100km virtual route around England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

She said: “Chris and I were happily married for 20 years and we were blessed to have four children.

“Chris was a very successful engineer and always tried to keep active but in 2007 he was diagnosed with myeloma and taken under the care of Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

Mrs Ullyett works on the intensive care unit at the QEQM Hospital in Margate. Picture: Google Street View
Mrs Ullyett works on the intensive care unit at the QEQM Hospital in Margate. Picture: Google Street View

“A clinical nurse specialist gave us the phone number for Myeloma UK and they were able to provide us with so much information and support.”

The husband and wife started fundraising together to support the charity but sadly, despite two stem-cell transplants, Mr Ullyett died in 2016.

His widow said: “Chris really enjoyed fundraising and making a difference and I draw inspiration from the strength he had.

“When I heard about the Four Nations, One Team Challenge I wanted to get involved straight away. I love walking so I’ll be carrying out the challenge through a number of walks, hopefully alongside my friends at a safe social distance.

“It will just be a great way to keep fit and healthy with a wonderful goal to try and reach.”

Organisers of the 100km Four Nations, One Team Challenge hope to encourage as many people as possible to take part.

Mrs Ullyett said: “Since Chris died I have learnt a lot about myself and in some instances surprised myself at what I can do.

“I think what motivates me the most is knowing that my fundraising will help people affected by myeloma.

“Myeloma UK are so helpful on all levels and they know what needs to be done, so I hope more people can share my motivation and sign up for the challenge to support their work.”

To support Mrs Ullyett, visit her fundraising page.

To join the challenge, visit Myeloma UK's website.

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