Staff at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) have come together to organise a special fundraising run in memory of their friend and colleague.
Anton Buter, a respected Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon, passed away two years ago following a diagnosis of bowel cancer.
A devoted husband and father of two, he was also a passionate advocate for palliative care and a well-known, much-loved member of the RAH team.
Now, colleagues from theatres and across the hospital, led by Anton’s close friend and fellow consultant Patrick MacGoey, are organising an inclusive 5k run on 31 May in his honour.
The event, starting at ON-X in Linwood, will raise funds to support improvements to Ward 28 at the RAH, which has been designated as a dedicated Surgical Palliative Care Unit.
While the ward provides vital care, staff are aiming to enhance the physical environment to better meet the needs of patients and their families, creating more private, comfortable spaces and improving dignity at the most difficult time in people’s lives.
They have already raised over £12,000, with funds raised through a dedicated page at Team fundraising and 5k run for Palliative Care provision at the RAH is fundraising for NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Patrick said the event is both a tribute to Anton and a chance to continue his legacy.
He 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.”
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 enhancing facilities within the Surgical Palliative Care Unit, helping create a more hospice-style environment that supports both patients and those closest to them.
For those unable to attend, donations can also be made via the team’s JustGiving page.
To sign up, please visit 5K run Tickets, Sunday, May 31 • 1 PM – 2 PM | Eventbrite
