MORE than £2,000 was raised for the chemotherapy unit in Bronglais Hospital from a civic service.

The civic service – organised by Ceredigion County Council chairman Cllr Maldwyn Lewis – was held earlier this year and donations were taken at the service to be given to the unit.

The unit is close to Cllr Lewis’ heart as he received ‘outstanding’ care at the hospital and its haematology unit after being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in 2008.

He said: “The care and empathy of the staff at Bronglais Hospital is second to none. Each and every member of staff are totally devoted to providing the best possible care and ensuring that patients are as comfortable as possible.

“I must take this opportunity to thank one nurse in particular, who will be retiring in the near future, nurse Eirian Gravell. Without her unwavering support, dedication and pure resilience, my recovery could have been very different.

“Nurse Eirian, as she is respectfully known to so many, has served the health service for many years, words cannot convey the gratitude deserved. There is no doubt that she will be sorely missed not only by her colleagues, but by patients and their families also; however, I am also confident that Nurse Eirian will ensure that her knowledge and expertise will be shared with her successor and colleagues. She is a remarkable human being and I for one, will be eternally grateful to her and the team at the haematology unit at Bronglais Hospital.”

Shortly before Christmas, Cllr Lewis presented a cheque for £2,100 – the total raised at the service – to the staff at the chemotherapy day unit.

Nicola Llewelyn, head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide.

“We are extremely grateful for this very kind donation which will make a real difference to the experiences of patients and staff at the chemotherapy day unit. Diolch yn fawr!”