16 News
THE HERALD FRIDAY FEBRUARY 3 2017
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Adam’s dream becomes a reality
Official opening: Sara Edwards the HM Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed attended (middle) OVER 300 locals attended an
event at Withybush Hospital last weekend (Jan 28) to get a first look at the county’s new Haematology and Oncology Day Unit, funded by Adam’s Bucketful of Hope, the University Health Board’s Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Fund, and Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal. More than £670,000 was raised
towards the custom-designed unit situated on Ward 5 of the hospital. 25-year-old Adam was working
as a signals engineer on the railways when he began to suffer with unexplained headaches and weight gain. At his doctors appointment, he was initially prescribed paracetamol by his GP, but after an examination of his stomach, he was rushed into hospital and diagnosed with leukaemia. Adam’s mum, and founder of
Adam’s Bucketful of Hope, Chris Evans-Thomas, was working as a headteacher when Adam was diagnosed, and later worked in
the hospital school at Withybush Hospital just one ward away from where Adam was. After a long battle with
leukaemia, Adam sadly passed away at the age of 35, and Ms Evans- Thomas faced the worst news a parent could ever hear. Adam’s last wish was to improve
the cancer services at Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest, as he wanted to give something back to the hospitals that had helped him. Ms Evans-Thomas dedicated her time to fulfilling his dream. Ms Evans-Thomas’ efforts were
even recognised by Buckingham Palace, and in 2012 received an MBE for her services to cancer patients. And, being the wonderful woman she is, said the MBE really belonged to all the volunteers who worked strenuously for the charity. However, in 2014, it came to
light that the Health Board had failed to spend the money in a decade, by which time the funds donated amounted to almost £650,000.
Ms-Evans Thomas demanded
that the money invested was spent on cancer services, and three years later, she can finally celebrate Adam’s legacy with the opening of the new Haematology and Oncology Unit. Chris added: “When I came in
to see the unit and saw the state-of- the-art equipment and the beautiful art displayed throughout, I was overwhelmed and found the day a very emotional, but wonderful, experience. “I would like to thank all
our volunteers and the people of Pembrokeshire for their support over the years, as well as the staff who look after our loved ones - because of them all, patients will truly benefit from this magnificent facility... It really is out of this world.” The new unit will provide
a better patient experience in a modern, purpose-built, fit-for-the- future facility that is tailored for patients at different stages of cancer.
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