David Young, a Carmarthen resident, organised a fundraising event at South Caravan Park in Tavernspite to thank the staff on Merlin ward at Glangwili Hospital. The event raised enough money to provide five new smart televisions and mirrors for head and neck cancer patients on the ward.
Emergency Diagnosis
David was diagnosed with throat cancer in April 2024 after a routine ENT appointment led to an emergency tracheostomy. He spent four to five weeks on Merlin ward recovering. He praised the staff for their support, saying, “Every member of staff was so accommodating, from the cleaning staff to the ward sister. I will be forever grateful for the way they supported not just me, but my wife also. They truly went above and beyond.”
Fundraising Event Success
The fundraising night included entertainment, a raffle, and an auction. David thanked Charles and Sophie James for allowing the event to be held at the park, and also thanked KT, Jess, Amy, Lucy, and the bar staff for their time and effort. He stated, “A fun night was had by all.”
Charity Impact
Claire Rumble, fundraising officer, expressed gratitude: “We are incredibly grateful to David for organising such a thoughtful fundraiser following his experience. The generous charitable donations we receive don’t replace NHS funding. Instead, they are used to provide items and activities above and beyond core NHS expenditure, such as more welcoming surroundings for patients, families and staff, and the latest equipment.”
For more details about the charity and how to support local NHS patients and staff, visit hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales.
