24-hour video gaming stream to raise money for MRI IMAGE appeal at Grimsby Hospital

Kris Weavill, diagnostic systems coordinator in the radiology department at Grimsby hospital, will be live streaming himself playing popular games Two Point Hospital and Surgeon Simulator 2 next Thursday, October 15, starting at 10am and finishing at 10am the next day.

He won’t be alone though as Kris will be joined by colleagues from Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust (NLaG) who’ll be popping by during the event to play the games and compete in ‘Fastest Heart-Transplant’ on Surgeon Simulator 2 for prizes.

The Trust has invested in a new MRI suite at Grimsby hospital which is set to open in 2021.

As part of this project, the Health Tree Foundation is fundraising to purchase additional, enhanced equipment to make life much easier for the increasing number of people needing an MRI.

The IMAGE appeal is raising funds to improve the experience for patients across Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Goole and the surrounding areas who may feel nervous about going for an MRI scan, or who may feel anxious or claustrophobic while having a scan.

If successful, it will completely change the MRI experience using screens, lights and sounds to relax and distract nervous patients.

Kris said: “I will be starting a new game and working through all the different hospitals and scenarios while live streaming on the Trust’s YouTube channel.

“The audience will be invited to name wards and doctors as we play and anyone on-site at Grimsby hospital is welcome to pop down and assist in the running of a hospital or to try their hand at a virtual heart transplant.

“Our team directly supports the Radiology teams, making sure that scanners and the underlying IT systems are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for patient care. Therefore this cause is close to our hearts.

“I’d like to thank Bossa Studios and Two Point Studios for all their help and support by donating copies of the games and merchandise to give away on the day and providing logistical support with the stream”.

There will also be free raffles throughout the day to win prizes.

Katie Hubbert, Grimsby community champion for the Health Tree Foundation, said: “It is fantastic that Kris has organised this event which will raise much-needed funds for the MRI IMAGE appeal.

“I’d also like to thank all my colleagues who will be taking part on the day.”

Anyone wishing to give a donation can do via justgiving.com/fundraising/imagegaming

Anyone wishing to watch the stream live can do via tinyurl.com/Imageappealstream