MAY marks the fourth anniversary of Elly’s Ward 10 Flag appeal which started on May 1, 2015.
The appeal started as a winning entry for a St David’s Day competition at Pembroke Dock Community School by Elly Neville, then aged 5.
The Neville family then went on to use the flag to raise vital funds for the refurbishment and upgrade to services on Ward 10 at Withybush General Hospital.
The cause Is very close to the family’s heart, after Elly’s father, Lyn, received a Bone Marrow transplant in 2005.
He received fantastic treatment at the hospital’s Ward 10.
Elly’s Ward 10 Flag just giving page says “Ward 10 at Withybush Hospital has been an incredibly important haven for cancer patients in Pembrokeshire.
“Lyn was a patient at the Chemotherapy Day Unit (CDU) and Ward 10 himself after a bone marrow transplant in 2005. It was the dedicated staff and facilities of the CDU and Ward 10 was a safety net to us during Lyn’s treatment and recovery. Staff were always on hand to provide reassurance and support at an anxious and frightening time.
“That great care, support and advice were only a short trip away as a family we will never forget the care we received.”
Hywel Dda Health Charities made the campaign an official appeal in October 2015. This ensured that all donations that were made to Elly’s Ward 10 Flag Appeal will be ring-fenced to improve the experiences of patients accessing palliative care, oncology or haematology services at Withybush Hospital.
After four years of relentless fundraising and campaigning, the appeal has hit a staggering £193,608 (correct at the time of print) raised for Oncology, Haematology and Palliative Care services at Withybush General Hospital.
The Facebook Campaign page said of their achievements “Today, 1st May 2009 is the fourth anniversary of the official start of the fundraising for Elly’s Ward 10 Flag.
“So much has been done over those years and Elly has changed a bit!
“It has taken all of those four years to get to “192,000 raised for Ward 10.
“Thanks to everyone who has supported us and helped in anyway, we appreciate all your support and encouragement!”
Elly, now aged 9, is highly decorated for her campaigning efforts.
She has done many interviews in both local and national media, more recently Heart Wales Radio and has even featured on ITV News.
Her efforts have seen her receive the prestigious CBBC Diamond Blue Peter Badge.
Through hard work, determination and the generosity of the people and businesses in Pembrokeshire, the dream has started to become a reality for Elly and her family.
The Ward 10 Flag appeal’s Facebook page has confirming that the refurbishment has commenced at Withybush.
They said “Elly’s Ward 10 Flag can confirm that all the patients were moved out of Ward 10 on Monday, into the new Ward 9, and work has started on the full refurbishment of Ward 10.
“We are so pleased after many years of campaigning and four years of fundraising we will now have a designated Haematology, Oncology and Palliative Care Ward at Withybush Hospital. We will keep you up to date with all that is happening, but this is great News for Pembrokeshire Cancer patients!”
