Chemotherapy patients benefit thanks to a kind donation of over £14,000 in memory of a former patient.

Thursday 6 October 2022

Patients receiving chemotherapy at Kidderminster Hospital will benefit thanks to a kind donation of over £14,000 in memory of a former patient. The funds were raised at a charity football match in memory of Wendy James who sadly passed away last year having been treated for cancer on Millbrook Suite at the hospital.

The generous donation is being used to purchase new, more comfortable treatment chairs for patients who regularly have to sit for long periods while receiving their chemotherapy treatment in Millbrook Suite.

The much-anticipated charity match was organised by Gary James and his brother Marc. The match took place between Priorslee FC (Shropshire) and Wilby FC (Northamptonshire) at Villa Park, Birmingham. Gary, a former Wilby FC player, played 45 minutes in each team, alongside ex-players and children.

Gary said: “My mum was superbly cared for and treated at the Millbrook Suite. We are so thankful to all the staff, they were so caring and helpful. It was a difficult time but Mum was treated in comfort by a phenomenal team who went beyond the call of duty. We wanted to help and it seemed to us that a charity football match would be a wonderful way for friends and family to come together and have fun as well as raise funds for the Millbrook Suite”.

Tracy Howell, a sister on the suite, attended the match and was honoured to present medals to the team, she said: “During COVID-19, the restrictions on visiting were hard on family members, who were especially hit by the restrictions.  We knew it was crucial to help and support Wendy, Gary and his family as much as possible.”

After the final whistle, the charity football match was followed by a fundraising auction in the Directors’ Lounge of Villa Park.

A cheque was presented to Tracy and her colleagues at Kidderminster Hospital by Gary, his wife Emma, and family friend John Hall. Gary and his family were thrilled to learn that their ambition of purchasing new treatment chairs to assist both current and future patients had been fulfilled as a result of this wonderful fund-raising effort.

Photo:

Emma James, Gary James, John Hall, Emma Faulkner, Tracy Howell, Susie Hoskin, Alison Battin and Nicola Langford