Gwendoline Rawstron, from Blackburn, asked friends and family to make a charitable donation to ELHT&Me, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust’s official charity, in celebration of her 90th birthday.
Mrs Rawstron receives treatment for multiple myeloma at the Chemotherapy Unit at Royal Blackburn Hospital, a type of bone marrow cancer that is treatable, but not curable. To thank staff for the work they have done and continue to do in caring for her, Gwendoline requested that financial donations were made to the charity instead of gifts, to celebrate her milestone birthday.
The birthday party was held at Gwendoline’s home at Kingsway Court, an extra care scheme on Montague Street in Blackburn, and was attended by approximately 70 people. Tom Collins, a singer from Blackpool, attended to entertain guests, and a raffle was held.
Gwendoline’s celebrations continued with a get-together after the church service at St. Luke's and St. Philip’s Church, with a buffet and bacon sandwiches. Following this, family and close friends met for a celebration meal held at the New Drop Inn in Ribchester.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Kingsway Court, St. Luke's and St. Philip’s Church and The Woodlands and Kingsway United Reformed Churches, who purchased raffle tickets, and helped to sell them too”, said Gwendoline.
“I’d also like to say a huge thankyou to all the doctors and nursing staff at the Chemotherapy Unit, who have cared for me so well. I’d like the money raised to help the staff provide great care for patients in the future – just like I receive.”
Mrs Rawstron’s family would also like to thank doctors, nursing staff and administration staff for their kind support of them, and their continued hard work caring for their mum.
Denise Gee, Fundraising Manager at ELHT&Me, said: “The charity would like to wish Gwendoline a very happy birthday and say a huge thank you for this donation to the Chemotherapy Unit. Every penny will be spent improving patient experience, above and beyond standard NHS funding.”
“The charity can support you in any fundraising activity you’d like to take part in, please contact us to find out more. Visit our website at www.elht.nhs.uk/charity or email fundraising@elht.nhs.uk.”
