Bucketful of Hope backing from Falklands veteran (From Western Telegraph)

Bucketful of Hope backing from Falklands veteran

FALKLANDS veteran and charity founder Simon Weston has given his backing to Pembrokeshire's Bucketful of Hope Appeal.

He was at Withybush Hospital yesterday (Tuesday) as representative of the Welsh Blood Service. And, during a visit to the chemotherapy day unit, he launched the funding appeal for more spacious and improved facilities.

This is part of the Bucketful of Hope Appeal, instigated by the late Adam Evans-Thomas.

Pembrokeshire-born Adam was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia at the age of 24 and died aged 35 before a bone marrow match could be found.

As well as setting a target of £250,000 for the extension, the appeal is also raising the profile of the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Register, which has matched 400 donors for transplants in the last 12 years.

Since Adam's death in February 2004, his family have dedicated themselves to making the appeal a success, as a lasting memorial to him.

Simon Weston also publicised Adam's Festival of Hope, which takes place on July 16th, at Carew Pavilion and Airfield. This will be the largest charity event the county has ever hosted.

There will be a Party in the Park with huge celebrity names, dance, drama, and music competitions, Army displays, hovercraft and helicopter rides, funfair, food and craft halls.

"We are hoping to raise in excess of £50,000 for the appeal so that the new unit can be completed as soon as possible," said Adam's mother Chris.

Dr Harry Grubb, consultant haematologist and Bob Bowen, cancer services manager, are delighted with the public response.

"The present unit is very successful in ensuring patients can be treated in their local area, but we desperately need more space," they said.

"We have identified a suitable area in the hospital, and the appeal aims to provide funds for refurbishment and equipment."

Pictured above with Simon Weston at the official launch are: Dr Anne Barnes (Chemotherapy Day Unit); Tamsin Dunwoody-Kneafsey AM, Lynette George (chairman of Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust); Frank O'Sullivan (trust chief executive); Christine Gwyther AM, Dr Harry Grubb (Chemotherapy Day Unit); Chris Evans-Thomas, Dr Bill Maxwell (Chemotherapy Day Unit); Jackie Lawrence MP and Phil Thompson (Texaco's public affairs adviser).