Residents dig deep to boost Mayor’s civic appeal

THIS year’s Nuneaton and Bedworth Civic Appeal has got off to a flying start.

The appeal, spearheaded by the Mayor, Cllr Bill Hancox, is raising funds to buy much needed equipment for the Lymphoedema Clinic based at Mary Ann Evans Hospice and wants to raise awareness of Secondary Lymphoedema.

It is something close to Cllr Hancox’s heart, as his wife and Mayoress Sheila was diagnosed with the life-changing condition.

Lymphoedema is a condition of localised fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system, which normally returns interstitial fluid to the thoracic duct, then the bloodstream.

Primary Lymphoedema can be inherited or can be caused by a birth defect. Secondary Lymhoedema, is caused by cancer treatments.

Sheila continues to receive regular intensive treatment at Mary Ann Evans Hospice and her husband decided to make it the focus of his Civic year.

After the first three months of the Civic Appeal, Cllr Hancox is delighted with the response and said: “People are proving to be very generous and are hugely support of the appeal.

“We have enjoyed several successful street collections in both town centres, and a bowls match that was a winner.

“We also attended The Get Together in the Park at Bedworth Miners’ Welfare Park where we collected more money for the appeal, as well as holding a raffle at the Blackpool Tower Show at The Civic Hall in Bedworth.’’

Lymphoedema Nurse Practitioner Kay Hill also boosted the drive by climbing Ben Nevis. Future events include a return bowls match in Bedworth on Friday, August 11 and a market stall in Nuneaton the following Friday.

There will also be another raffle at the next Blackpool Tower Show at The Civic Hall on Tuesday, September 19 and a Quiz Night at the same venue on Tuesday, October 3. Should any members of the public want to fund-raise or have any ideas to raise cash from the appeal, they can go to myevent@nbbcmayorsappeal.uk