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Date of release: 8th January 2025
Anglers make splash with donation
A grateful angler reeled in a £750 donation as a thank you for his life-saving cardiac surgery and his wife’s cancer treatment.
Ian Madylus, 66, underwent mitral valve surgery, spending 15 days on Ward B8 in the Heart and Lung Centre at New Cross Hospital.
His wife Jary, 65, has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy for bowel cancer for two and a half years on Georgina Ward at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley.
Ian is one of 20 members of Rybalsky Fishing Club and they raised £375 each for B8 and Georgina Ward, from a raffle and an auction of a gallon bottle of whisky at the club’s Christmas meal.
Ian was admitted to New Cross Hospital after struggling for breath for a week, thinking he had COVID-19.
Tests revealed he had severe mitral valve regurgitation caused by a leaking heart valve. This was urgently repaired by Mr Stephen Billing, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT).
“I could have died so I can’t thank all the staff enough for what they did for me and the ongoing support for my wife – we really appreciate it,” said Ian, a retired electrical inspector for Birmingham City Council.
“I didn’t realise that anything above what the NHS provides is self-funded and how stretched they are.
“Until you need help you don’t realise what a fantastic and impossible job staff do. It’s humbling really.
“So I thought we should do something and the members have been very generous.
“When we meet up we have a breakfast then we draw the raffle and have a meal later – we’re like a family and there’s lots of banter.”
Formed 11 years ago, the club is made up a lot of retired Birmingham City Council workers from the Second City, Tamworth, Droitwich and Redditch.
Ian, who was born in the UK to Ukrainian parents, was asked by members to produce its name, which is the closest word in Ukrainian to fishing.
And he was proud to make the donation, adding: “The staff gave us such a warm welcome when we came in – it was very heartfelt and they seemed genuinely touched by our donation.
“It made our day. Both hospitals remain in our hearts and we often speak of them.”
Rebecca Simmons, Matron for Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Services on B8 at RWT, said:
“It is lovely to see our patients visiting the ward having recovered fully and returning to their hobbies and enjoying life!
“We are grateful for the donation and will discuss with staff how it can be used to benefit both staff and future patients.”
Amanda Winwood, RWT Charity Development Manager, said:
“We’re delighted to see Ian well again and thank him for his donation, which will help our patients and staff. We also wish Jary all the best with her treatment.”