Forest Gate doctor runs 100k for late wife’s charity

Doctor Annabel Joyce died from cancer in 1999 (Image: Archant)

Doctor Ciaran Joyce, 50, who works as a GP at the Claremont Clinic, in Romford Road, Forest Gate, will be taking on the 100 kilometre run on May 23.

He said he hopes to raise money for Mugoma Trust, a charity which was set up in memory of his wife, Annabel, who died from Leukaemia in 1999.

He said: “It is more of a charity collection for a trust that was set up by friends of my first wife.

“She had many talents. Annabel worked as an actress for sometime and went to the East 15 Acting School after finishing medical school and taking up her first hospital jobs.

“She then returned to medicine and did a lot of health care work in Mugoma, Tanzania before she died.”

Following Annabel’s death, Doctor Joyce was contacted by her former colleagues in Mugoma, a small region in north-western Tanzania.

“They contacted us asking for help as pregnant women and sick children were dying on the way to the local hospital which is 25 miles on foot from where most people live,” Doctor Joyce said.

“It is a very poor region and they really need our help.

“The aim behind the trust is to save as many lives as possible by providing better healthcare.”

The athletic medic is hoping to raise £5,000 for the charity in a bid to construct a health centre in the remote area of Mugoma.

He said: “The donations will all go towards the building which we hope will serve 25,000 people in that region.

“We have already had tremendous support from the local community, including from St Mark’s Church.”

“A group went out in 2013 and the Mugoma Trust was founded to help the local people achieve their dream of accessible healthcare.”

Doctor Joyce added that he was looking forward to “the challenge.”

He said: “I’m looking forward to the 100 kilometre race.

“I have already completed two marathons previously and now I believe I am ready for a bigger challenge.”