In an extraordinary show of determination and gratitude, Jude Honeyman completed a remarkable swimming challenge, raising £1,270 to support The Royal Oldham Hospital. The funds will be invested by the charity directly into enhancing care and patient experience on the hospital’s Ward F11 Haematology Unit.
Over just five weeks, Jude, an organisational development and skills specialist swam an astounding 500 lengths at the Norton Grange Hotel pool. Her original target was £500, but support poured in as her story spread, more than doubling her goal.
For Jude, this challenge was far more than a fitness milestone. She lives with genetic haemochromatosis, a hereditary condition that causes dangerous levels of iron to build up in the body. Diagnosed in February 2025 with the C282Y gene mutation, she began receiving regular treatment at Royal Oldham hospital, where the haematology team removes excess iron ‘pint by pint’ every fortnight.
Jude shared: “The team at Oldham have been my lifeline. In six months they’ve helped me through one of the toughest periods of my life. This was my way of giving back.”
Swimming became a crucial part of Jude’s recovery and a sanctuary that eased the symptoms of haemochromatosis and restored her strength, confidence, and resilience. The funds raised will directly support patients and staff within Ward F11, enhancing care for people receiving chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and treatment for chronic conditions like haemochromatosis.
Ward Manager Claire Brumell said: “The haematology unit team extends its sincere gratitude to Jude for her exceptional fundraising efforts. Her generosity and commitment play a vital role in supporting our patients and enhancing the care we provide. Contributions such as Jude’s enable us to continue delivering the highest standards of treatment and comfort.”