David Phillips fundraises for Ward 19 in honour of friend.
Back in May of this year thousands of riders took to the streets to take part in Velo Birmingham & Midlands 2019, the ultimate 100 mile bike ride challenge. One of those riders was David Phillips who proudly wore his Heartlands Hospital Charity jersey to fundraise for Ward 19.
Ward 19, a cancer ward at Heartlands Hospital holds a special place in David’s heart as his close friend Martin is currently receiving treatment for Leukaemia there. The Ward 19 Charity Fund exists to benefit cancer patients, helping to provide them with the very best equipment, facilities and ‘added extras’ for both patients and their families.
Martin has recently been chosen for a project called FLAIR, a clinical trial into alternative drugs to treat various blood cancers. The lead Consultant Haematologist expressed to Martin how specialist this treatment was and that he was very fortunate to receive it.
Martin said “I am on medication for the next three to six years depending on how well I respond to the tablets… Either way once I have beaten it I will throw a great big party to which you are all invited.”
True to his word, David finished his 100 mile bike ride in honour of his friend Martin and raised a magnificent £2,500 for Ward 19. Sabrina Hussaine, Fundraising Officer at Heartlands Hospital Charity said: “Thank you so much David for this fantastic donation for Ward 19, your donation will be able to help so many cancer patients throughout their treatments. Donations such as this mean that the charity are able to provide the ward with items such as new electric recliners for patients receiving treatment at the day unit, heat pads to help a patient’s veins stand out for cannulas or even a new blood analyser. On behalf of the charity we wish both yourself and Martin all the best for the future.”
If you have been inspired by this story and would like to take on Velo yourself for next year, why not sign up today to get a guaranteed place for 2020 and help fundraise for your local hospital charity? Join us at Velo Birmingham & Midlands - the 100 mile closed road bike ride on Sunday 28 June 2020 by visiting: hospitalcharity.org/shop/product/velo2020
