In November 2024, Hazel Basford sadly lost her close friend Janie Donovan, affectionately known as ‘Duchess,’ following complications from an untreatable cerebral aneurysm. Janie had been under the care of the ‘outstanding’ neurology team for many years, having first been treated in 1999. She was fortunate to be cared for at the JR by one of the first consultants in Europe to use platinum coils to treat previously untreatable cerebral aneurysms.

Thanks to this pioneering treatment, Janie was able to enjoy another 18 years living a full and happy life. Over the years, she underwent several further coiling procedures before requiring a highly complex bypass operation in 2024. Sadly, the procedure proved too much for her, and she passed away later that year.

In Janie’s memory, Hazel decided to run the Marlow Half Marathon and raise funds for the John Radcliffe Hospital as a way of thanking the team who cared for her friend so compassionately over the years.

Hazel said, “It was a real challenge for me, and I trained hard to make sure I crossed the finish line. With the support of my cousins, who ran with me, and Janie’s children, Miles and Lisa, alongside my partner and many close friends cheering me on, I made it to the end.

“It was a very emotional day, but I felt so proud to do this in Janie’s memory and in support of the Neuro Intensive Care unit that cared for her. I raised over £2,500, and I know she would have been so proud of me.”