A dedicated fundraiser, who raised thousands of pounds to support the work of Medway Maritime Hospital, has left a £5,000 legacy.
The money gifted by Shahida ‘Gudo’ Qureshi from Compass Close, Rochester, is being used to buy five wheelchairs for The Medway Hospital Charity’s Thirty at 30 Wheelchair appeal.
Shahida, who died in November 2024, aged 71, raised thousands of pounds towards a breast cancer ultrasonic scanner, in memory of her niece, and for the hospital’s hydrotherapy pool appeal. She also donated money to the rheumatology department, following her diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis.
Shahida’s desire to raise money for good causes started when she wanted to lose weight in her mid-30s.
She told a local newspaper: “I am overjoyed at the fact that what started as an attempt to get fit has brought so much happiness. Running has provided me with a chance to meet people from all over Kent and I have met a great number of friends in my capacity as a fundraiser.”
Through 40 half marathon and 15 London Marathons, Shahida raised tens of thousands of pounds for charities and good causes in the county, and supported numerous children in need of wheelchairs and equipment to improve their quality of life.
In the 1980s and 90s, she became one of the UK’s fastest female Asian long-distance runners. Following her diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis, she had to give up the sport but she continued to raise money for charities and local families to make their lives better.
Her family said: “We are so proud of our sister, Shahida, who was an incredible person and fundraiser. She was passionate about helping others and we know she would be proud to support the Thirty at 30 wheelchair appeal.
“Medway Maritime was Shahida’s local hospital and she supported it throughout her life and, thanks to her legacy, will be supporting patients now and in the future.”