A WEST Ealing doctor will be healing in a different way this Sunday as she dons her running shoes for the Ealing Half Marathon.

Dr Vanesa Garnelo Rey, 38, works in the major trauma centre at London's St Mary’s Hospital and is raising money for vital new equipment needed there.

She is aiming to help the Imperial College Healthcare Charity reach their £1million target for the centre, which helped save lives after the July 2005 bombings.

Dr Garnelo Rey, who is the trauma lead for intensive care at St Mary’s in Paddington and has worked there for six years, said: “I witnessed the birth of our major trauma centre back in 2010 and all of the incredible hard work.

“Strong teamwork has led to major success but we strive to improve and we will continue to help people rebuild their lives after a serious trauma.

“This journey has taught me how precious life can be and it is filled with many breathtaking stories.”

Imperial College Healthcare Charity raises money to improve staff and patient experience at Imperial College Healthcare Trust’s five hospitals, including St Mary’s. They have so far have raised more than £700,000 for the major trauma centre appeal.

Among the equipment needed is a £13,000 Belmont rapid infuser device, which would allow staff to more quickly transfuse multiple units of blood and replacement fluid into patients.

It is not the first time Dr Garnelo Rey has contributed – two years ago she took part in the Superhero Run.

She added: “This amazing charity works non-stop to support many important causes.

“I believe our major trauma centre deserves every possible bit of help to maintain the highest standards of care we deliver for the benefits of our patients.

“Our top results are a clear reflection of the highly trained professionals from pre-hospital care all the way to rehabilitation and eventually home.

“Thank you for your invaluable support.”

Dr Garnelo Rey also did the Great North Run for Cancer Research UK last year and is hoping to complete the Ealing Half in about two hours.

She can be sponsored at www.justgiving.com/Vanesa-Garnelo-Rey1 For more information about the centre appeal or to get involved with fundraising, visit www.imperialcharity.org.uk/major-trauma-centre or call 020 331 22066.