Schoolboy Rowan raises £900 for oncology unit

Rowan Nickerson, 12, from Pembrokeshire, ran in the Long Course Weekend Wales 5k and raised £900 for the Pembrokeshire Haematology Oncology Day Unit.

 Rowan took part in the 5k road race on 23^rd June 2024 in memory of his Aunty Sharon who had received such excellent care and treatment at the unit.

 Rowan said: “I enjoyed my first ever 5k road race. Thanks to everyone who supported me and who has kindly donated.”

 Liliana Guta, Senior Sister, said: “A big well done to Rowan for taking part in the Long Course Weekend Wales 5k and raising money in memory of his Aunty.

 “All the staff on the chemo unit want to thank to Rowan for his amazing achievement, for his kindness and commitment. It was such an admirable thing to do, and many patients will benefit from the money that he raised. Rowan should be very proud of himself; he is an inspiration to others.”

 Rowan’s fundraising will go toward the new Heads Up! Cancer Hair Loss Support Service at Withybush Hospital. The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from our local community to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

 The health board is the first in Wales to run this charity-funded initiative to improve the patient experience of cancer-related hair loss.

 Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “We would like to say a huge well done to Rowan for taking part in his first 5k and raising such a fantastic amount.

 “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