The Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Trust Annual Report Jan/Dec 2007

It has been a varied and interesting year for The Trust with the first staged event seeing the welcome return of The Trust’s Patron Gordon Giltrap. Gordon held a two night Charity Concert at The Fleece Inn, Bretforton raising an impressive £1,731.00. This was an increase of over £600 on the previous year.
Special congratulations to the participants of the ‘John O’Groat’s to Lands End’ bike riders, namely Paul Edmondson, Nick Berry and Ollie Steward. An amazing total of over £5,000 was raised making more than enough to purchase an Intravenous Pump for Worcester Royal Hospital. The pump was presented by the participants to Charge Nurse Peter James at the Trust’s AGM held in May. A big thank you to all sponsors including Best of Evesham, who supplied the back up vehicle, and volunteer driver Michael Rushby.

In June a rock concert was held featuring the local rock band Psychowrath and Birmingham based band Hanging Doll. The event was held at Evesham Working Mens Club, raising an impressive £1,162.00

The Trust received an extra boost when ‘per una’ responded to a financial request by presenting the Trust with £3,000. The money was used to purchase an electric bed, a special mattress and a syringe driver for Worcester Hospital. We are extremely grateful for per una’s support.

It was with great sadness that the Trust was told of the loss of Rob Oakes, following a brave battle against acute myeloid leukaemia. Rob shared with his family a keen interest in The Trust’s work and it was agreed by family and friends that the purchase of an electric bed, in memory of Rob, would best benefit future patients The bed was purchased and presented to Worcester Royal Hospital’s Laurel 3 Ward and is much appreciated by all who use it.

The Trustee board has seen many changes during the year. Dave Hirons resigned as Treasurer and Trustee and John Curtis and Sue Waters resigned as Trustees. We thank them for their much valued time and dedication and wish them well for the future

We welcome on board Zuzana Brotherton as Treasurer and Ann Oakes, Tracey Simmons and Lynn Betts as Trustees.

We have the introduction of our newly appointed Scientific Advisor ‘Professor Vaskar Saha.’ Vaskar has observed The Trust’s work closely over the last few years having worked alongside The Trust’s Honorary member Jean Sargent PhD, on Chemotherapy Sensitivity Testing. Vaskar presented a lecture in November on ‘Cancer Treatment and Care’. The lecture was held in Evesham’s Town Hall.

The Trust’s shop, in Evesham’s Library Arcade continues to do well, thanks to its volunteers. A special mention to Michael Owen who flew to the rescue in order to make the shop window safer. Michael installed steps to make for safer entry and exit from the window display. The difference has increased the shop window sales.

Through funds raised during the year, donations of equipment presented in 2007 include, five intravenous pumps, 2 syringe drivers and three electric beds.

We look forward to an exciting and challenging 2008. with a larger and strengthened Trustee board and with the inclusion of our newly appointed Scientific Advisor.

A big thank you to all who have helped, supported and donated. It is very much appreciated.