Hebden Bridge Teenage Cancer Appeal

Monday, 5 January 2015

The Mayor of Hebden Royd, Cllr Jonathan Timbers, presented a cheque for £4,000 to the Teenage Cancer Unit,  Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield Charity no 1039885 on behalf of the Hebden Bridge Teenage Cancer Appeal, a local charity run by Jean and Stan Coleman, and their grand-daughter, Claire Cowens.  They organised a children's disco and winter fayre in Hebden Bridge Methodist Church on Sunday 14 December, where the cheque was presented to a representative of the unit.

Cllr Timbers commented, 'This local family-run charity has raised £4,000 in two years, which is an incredible feat.  I was honoured to be asked to present the cheque on their behalf. All praise should go to Jean and Stan, their grand-daughter, Claire, and family and friends for their commitment, creativity and effort. They've been generous donors to the Teenage Cancer Unit, Weston Park Hospital  for some years now and just keep on going, raising more and more money. I think they're amazing."

The Appeal raises money by attending local events and galas, such as the Duck Race, Mytholmroyd Gala and Blackshawhead fete, and relies entirely on the generosity of local people.

Mayor of Hebden Royd, Cllr Jonathan Timbers, Father Christmas (Stan Coleman), Mrs. Christmas (Jean Coleman Gen.Sec /Treasurer) and Great Granddaughter.

Jean and Stan invite volunteers to help them raise money and would like to thank their friends, especially Gemma and Alison, for baking cakes for the winter fayre.

Weston Park Hospital is one of only four dedicated cancer hospitals in the country. Its world-leading reputation as a centre of excellence in the fight against cancer is recognised, not only here in the UK, but also internationally. However, its approach to cancer care, as well as the cancer treatments it develops, is what is truly ground-breaking. It serves all ages, but has a specialist Teenage Cancer Unit catering not just for the medical needs of the patients but also providing emotional support to young people between the ages of 16 and 25, for whom the treatment experience may be particularly daunting.

The aim is to reassure young cancer patients by allowing them to be with others of a similar age. Hopefully this will help them to share their experiences at this defining stage of their lives, for example, about  making future career or study plans, dealing with infertility problems and forming relationships outside the family.

All of the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and reclining chairs for friends and relatives wishing to stay overnight.

Each bedroom is equipped with:

• Electronic bed
• A computer with internet access
• Telephone
• Television and video

The money raised will help provide a new place in the unit. For more details contact Cllr Jonathan Timbers, 07500 448570.