Appeal reaches target in just 6 weeks... so doubles it!
Monday 10th September 2007
A Sheffield-based fundraising appeal, launched just six weeks ago, has already exceeded its target.
The Sheffield Leukaemia and Blood Disorders Appeal, backed by Hollywood star Sean Bean, has received a single donation of £150,000 – matching the target for the whole appeal!
The incredible donation was made by local couple Bill and Anne Wraith in memory of their daughter Elizabeth Jane, who very sadly died of leukaemia 7 years ago. Anne is now herself battling a similar disease and is a patient on the leukaemia ward at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.
Head of Fundraising for the appeal, Emma Dickens, said: “We are immensely grateful for the amazing generosity shown by Mr and Mrs Wraith. To have hit our fundraising target within just six weeks is fantastic.
“Instead of closing the appeal however, and putting our feet up, we have decided that the majority of this money should be used for a project over and above our original plans. This means that we will be able to improve the care of many more leukaemia and blood disorder sufferers in South Yorkshire than previously thought.
“Therefore the Sheffield Leukaemia and Blood Disorders Appeal is still aiming to raise the money needed to fully equip the new leukaemia and blood disorders unit at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, but we can also now build an entirely new isolation room on the ward, where patients can stay in relative comfort, following a bone marrow transplant. It is hoped that this specialist room will be a fitting and permanent tribute to their daughter.”
Anyone interested in helping the charity raise the remaining money needed for all of the new equipment, is invited to contact the fundraising team on 0114 226 3555. Companies are also invited to get in touch as a range of sponsorship opportunities are currently being developed – perfect for local companies looking to support a hugely worthwhile, yet local, cause.