SOMETIMES things happen in life which make you stop in your tracks, but for two brothers, Terry O’Neil and John Mackin it did quite the opposite.
Along with colleagues Mark Taylor and Dave Lewis from Studley-based heating specialists, Ignis Group, the foursome undertook the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge, trekking up the three highest peaks in the UK.
In doing so they raised more than £10,000 for children undergoing cancer treatment at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.
The Children of Worcestershire Cancer Fund is close to the hearts of Terry and John following Terry’s daughter Darcie being admitted to Worcestershire Royal Hospital in 2021 with pain around her collarbone.
“The professionalism and level of care shown to Darcie and my family by the oncology nurses and doctors was amazing,” Terry said.
“They gave us the upmost support and comfort and explained how in the coming months the charity could best support us if needed.
“Fortunately for us, after further clinical investigations, it was shown Darcie had a rare condition called Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO), it was not bone cancer.
“As you can imagine, the news was the best we could have ever wished for, although Darcie still has a condition she has to live with.
“We consider ourselves fortunate, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the families and children who were not so lucky.
“I wanted to give something back and support this amazing charity.”
The team were welcomed onto the Children’s Clinic where they met with Dawn Forbes, Children and Young People Oncology Nurse Specialist, and three brave patients receiving treatment for cancer at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, who were on hand to thank the guys for their incredible efforts.
“These funds will be a great help in supporting poorly children and their families in a variety of different ways; We’ll be able to purchase practical items such as wheelchairs or pushchairs,” Dawn said.
“This helps the children who are undergoing chemotherapy to move around at home and hospital, and also to join in with activities with their friends and enjoy days out with their families.
“As well as much needed practical support, the fund provides treasured special memories for the children and their families.
“We organise fun events such as Easter Egg hunts, summer picnics, Halloween parties, and we’re very much looking forward to our Santa’s Grotto this year.
“We offer tickets for the annual pantomime at the Swan Theatre in Worcester each year to all patients and their immediate families.
“Smaller things like our Bravery Box being fully stocked so that children can choose a gift after having treatment, and bespoke cakes to celebrate end of treatment are equally important.
“All of these things really do help make a difficult journey for the children and their families just a little bit easier.”
Visit https://wahcharity.org/childrens-cancer-fund or e-mail [email protected] for more.
