Hospital’s appeal hits target in 10 months
THE Bronglais Chemo Appeal in Ceredigion has passed its £500,000 target in just 10 months.
The appeal launched in November last year with the aim of raising the remaining £500,000 needed to transform the current chemotherapy day unit at Aberystwyth’s Bronglais Hospital into a modern, fit-for-the-future facility.
Since its launch, local communities across West Wales have embraced the appeal, with fundraisers walking, cycling, golfing, gardening, holding a summer ball, and even staging an Elvis tribute event to raise money.
Bridget Harpwood, fundraising officer for Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “What’s become clear is how passionate people are about their local NHS and how creative they are when it comes to fundraising.
“We’ve been genuinely blown away by the support from our local communities – it has entirely exceeded our expectations.”
In addition to the funds raised locally, the appeal has received a substantial donation from the Moondance Foundation, which allocates funds to organisations for general charitable purposes.
Bettina Vance, chemotherapy clinical nurse specialist at the hospital, said: “On behalf of staff at the unit and Bronglais Hospital, I’d like to say how grateful we are to everyone who has made the appeal such a success.
“Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a huge difference to the experiences of patients, families and staff at the chemotherapy day unit.”
Peter Skitt, Hywel Dda University Health Board’s county director for Ceredigion and project director for the development of the new unit, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has supported the appeal for recognising how important a new chemotherapy day unit is for Bronglais Hospital.
“The new unit will provide an improved experience for patients in a modern, fit-for-the-future facility that is tailored to their needs at different stages of cancer, offering more comfort, privacy and dignity.
“The target is for the new chemotherapy unit to go live in summer 2024. The total raised by the Bronglais Chemo Appeal currently stands at £591,316.
“Every penny raised, including future donations, will go directly to the appeal fund, with any surplus funds used to support those affected by cancer across Mid Wales.
“With the current economic climate, we predict that construction costs will increase over the coming months.
“Therefore, to have exceeded the original target will be of great benefit to the project.”