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Date of release: 13th September 2024
Neighbours bring triple boost to cancer patients
Generous neighbours – all of whom have some experience of cancer – have held a fundraising get-together to benefit patients being treated at Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital.
Organised by Wayne Edwards and Ray Quinn, people of all ages living in the same street in Codsall, created a party atmosphere where everyone was encouraged to seek each other out for a chat, a drink and cake. And their efforts have raised £650 for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) with a further £110 for Cancer Research UK.
Through early detection of cancer cells, Wayne, 62, elected to have preventative surgery to avoid possible further health problems.
He admits it wasn’t until he opened up more about his own story that he realised how many others within the community are either going through a similar experience or know family members or friends who are.
“Ray and I wanted to recapture the support for the NHS that we’d all seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when everyone would come out on their doorsteps and clap for our NHS workers,” said Wayne, a father of one.
“When you go through a cancer diagnosis it really brings home to you just how amazing our NHS is. My surgeon at New Cross and all the Nursing staff who supported and cared for me after my operation have been fantastic. I can’t thank them enough.”
Wayne had ignored a couple of bowel screening tests that came through the post – something he describes as “a typical male response.”
“Men are generally uncomfortable talking about health issues,” he said. “But I did the third test when it came, and I was contacted for a follow up which then led to my diagnosis.
“I was lucky to be offered robotic resection surgery. It just goes to show how important early diagnosis is and also that we do talk about these things. I have since had conversations with people who have also put things off, and some for whom a diagnosis came too late which is a very sobering thought.
“Striking up conversations in our street and wider community you realise just how many of us are affected by cancer, either personally, or through someone we know and love.”
Wayne, who works for ADT Fire & Security, added the neighbourly get together brought different generations closer and recreated a real community spirit whilst also raising money for a worthy cause.
“To see some our elderly neighbours out and about and enjoying a chat and a laugh was great, and I think it’s something we’ll do again. The most important thing is we all wanted to say thank you to everyone who came along and supported the day.”
A total of £650 was raised which will be split three ways with £220 going to both Bowel Cancer and Breast Cancer teams at the Trust and £210 going towards childhood leukaemia.
Amie Rogers, Fundraising and Lead Digital Engagement Officer at RWT, added: “It was a pleasure to meet Wayne and hear all about what turned out to be not only a popular fundraiser but also a lovely community gesture.
“We’d like to thank him, Ray, and all the kind-hearted neighbours who raised this money for the RWT Charity to help other cancer patients in our care.”