Building Adam's wall of hope (From Western Telegraph)

Building Adam's wall of hope

NOBODY knows more about the life-saving benefits of giving blood than Falklands veteran Simon Weston.

"I am alive because of it," said the fervent campaigner for the Welsh Blood Service. "I've received over 400 units since I was injured and that has had a huge impact on my life."

On a visit to Withybush Hospital's Chemotherapy Day Unit last week he stressed the importance of giving blood and whole-heartedly backed the Bucketful of Hope appeal to improve the unit's facilities.

The appeal, instigated by the late Adam Evans-Thomas, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia at the age of 24 and sadly died before a bone marrow match could be found, aims to raise £250,000 and also boost the profile of the Welsh Bone Marrow Register.

"The reality is, if you don't have the donors you cannot treat anybody," Simon said. "We need to get people registered and also raise money for the ward."

He also pledged his support to Adam's Festival of Hope, which hopes to raise £50,000 for the appeal and is being billed as the largest charity event that Pembrokeshire has ever hosted.

"Here's a great opportunity to start the ball rolling and take part in the rest of our lives," he said. "Let's make that difference. Let's get people to the festival and get people to be bone marrow donors."

If you would like to help sponsor the event , which takes place on July 16th at Carew Pavilion, or would like more information about becoming a donor, contact Trudi Evans, recruitment manager for Welsh Blood Services, on 01443 622088.