Supporters will have a ball to fill liver unit coffers
A CHARIT Y ball is being held to raise funds to support a treatment unit for patients with chronic liver disease at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
Patients require drainage on a regular basis, which becomes more frequent as the disease progresses. In many cases, this can be as often as every 10 days.
The unit on Ward 17 has recently opened, and a fundraising charity dinner, auction and raffle at the John Smith’s Stadium on March 30 will raise funds for new equipment.
Former patient Fiona Whitehead, who is spearheading the fundraiser, said: “The new drain room unit saves valuable time and money and reduces the strain on other departments.
“Patients will only have to spend six to seven hours in hospital, allowing those who may be at the end of their lives, to spend more time with loved ones.”
Fiona has her own personal reasons for getting involved and said: “The staff on Ward 17 helped save my life.
“Not too long ago I was taken to HRI bright yellow and suffering from liver failure. Had it not been for the staff at Ward 17, I would have died.
“Heavy drinking was the cause of my condition but there are other causes too. I’ve rallied support from other lifesaving projects within the local recovery communities at The Basement Recovery Project, Kirklees in Recovery and Calderdale in Recovery to help with fundraising.
“The goal is for the ward to extend the service to a wider range of patients. “We are asking local businesses to help raise funds by donating raffle prizes and products or services that can feature in our auction, and we are asking the public to support us by making donations and buying raffle prizes.”
For more information and contact information, see thebasementproject.org.uk/ward17.
I was suffering from liver failure. Had it not been for Ward 17 staff I
would have died