Three friends presented a six thousand pound cheque to staff at the region’s oncology unit after a brilliant community fundraising effort saw hundreds of locals in Sanquhar support their cause.
Rosi and Lynsey initially set out to raise money in support of a friend who was facing cancer by boldly shaving their own hair off as she went through treatment. Another friend Lydia joined them as they turned that idea into a fundraiser on a bigger scale with a quiz, raffle and bingo at the town hall.
All three friends who also had family affected by cancer made the donation in appreciation of the staff at the unit who provide such remarkable care and support to patients and their families. Talking to them about their donation they were delighted to hear it could be used for the garden area where patients, their families and staff can take some time out in a natural and calming space.
During the past two years with pandemic restrictions it has not been possible to give the gardens the attention they need to maintain them. The donation will allow for maintenance and to enhance the space even more than before.
Laura Wallace, Senior Charge Nurse Chemotherapy Clinic NHS D&G, said:
“We are absolutely delighted with this donation. This means we can do something fantastic with the garden area, as well as some other ideas we have for our patients, including providing afternoon teas for them while they are at the unit.
“This is such a boost for staff, a real way of knowing that we are doing the best for our patients.”
Nick Mitchell, Endowment Fund Manager NHS D&G, said:
“This is a tremendous amount of money to raise for the oncology unit. It’s been so good to meet with Rosi and Lynsey and hear about the fundraiser they put so much time into and that the people in their community supported so well.
“A big thank you on behalf of NHS Dumfries and Galloway to everyone involved.”
Rosi Parkes, fundraiser, said:
“It’s such a pleasure to present the cheque. We’ve been really excited to get the funds into the hands of the staff who we know will put it to such good use. They truly are amazing in what they do every day for patients and their families.
“It’s been so good to visit the unit and have some time with the staff to talk about what they can do with the funds.
“A big thank you to everyone in Sanquhar for everything they did for the fundraiser and for their donations that amounted to such a huge sum that we are still in awe of!”
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