Fundraising events raise over £12,000 for chemo unit

Alberto Almeida, Sarah Davies and Tomos Jones have raised £12,600 for the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Glangwili Hospital.

Alberto, who has received treatment at the unit, started fundraising in September 2023. He organised a charity football tournament, followed by a charity evening in Llangain Hall in Carmarthen that included a raffle and an auction.

Tomos Jones, Alberto’s 14-year-old Godson, got involved with the fundraising by suggesting to his rugby team mates that they should take part in the Boxing Day Sea Dip in Tenby which raised a fantastic £1,600 towards the cause.

Sarah Davies, Alberto’s Wife, said: “Alberto is very aware of the hard work done at the unit by all staff. He is extremely grateful to them for all their care and support. He feels that they are very much on the journey with him. We as a family will be forever grateful for their dedication.

“I have been confident when dropping him off at the door every fortnight knowing that they will look after him both physically and emotionally while he is in their care. That is a huge consolation and goes a very long way to helping us cope with our situation.

“So many people came to support both the football tournament and the fundraising evening. People’s generosity has genuinely left us lost for words. It’s sad to realise just how many people have already used the chemo unit, and how many never know if they might

need it one day. We never imagined two years ago that it would become such a huge part of our lives, and we’re grateful every day for the work they do.

“We’re very proud of Tomos for suggesting the Boxing Day Sea Dip, and grateful to his teammates for agreeing to join him. Thank you to the five-a-side football boys for organising the tournament, and to friends, family, neighbours and local businesses for supporting the fundraising evening, and the St Clears Under-14s Rugby team for doing the sea-dip.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “We want to thank Alberto, Sarah and Tomos for raising such a fantastic amount for the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Glangwili Hospital.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the NHS charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk