Nicola Wheeler from Silsden has donated £4,729 to Airedale Hospital's Haematology and Oncology Day Unit after a series of sponsored wild swims and other fundraising.
Nicola first did a sponsored head shave and then she completed a month of wild swims challenge in April. To increase the total raised, she held a barbecue and afternoon tea party for friends and family in August and asked for donations at the events.
The Haematology and Oncology Day Unit (HODU) provides care for patients with a variety of haematology and oncology conditions, many of whom visit the unit on a regular basis for chemotherapy and other treatments.
Thanks to charitable donations and the support of the Airedale community, Airedale Hospital and Community Charity is currently funding a £175k refurbishment of the HODU which is due to be complete next month.
Nicola said: “My friend and colleague was diagnosed with terminal cancer just before new year 2021. Unable to fix it, and feeling completely hopeless, I decided to shave my head for charity along with a wild swim every day in April when the water temperature was between 8°C and 15°C to do my bit.
“She had already had a couple of rounds of treatment when I asked her where she would like the money to go. She had been so overwhelmed by the care and support she received on HODU, that she said right away she'd like it to go to them. As her treatment progressed, she mentioned that there was a refurbishment starting soon, so I arranged a barbecue and an afternoon tea party to raise a bit more. I'd set my initial target at £300 so I'm delighted with the final total.
“I had lots of support from family and friends and colleagues and couldn’t have done any of it without them; some even got in the river with me!”
Ciara Walsh, from Airedale Hospital and Community Charity, said: “Nicola has done a fabulous job fundraising for HODU and we’re all really grateful for her hard work and ongoing support.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Nicola on behalf of everyone at Airedale. Her donation will make a huge difference and will allow the HODU team to invest in new and innovative equipment to benefit future patients.”
Five Ilkley artists prepare to open their studios
Labour wins North Yorkshire Mayoral election by nearly 15,000 votes
Experience 'Zip The Cow' for Manorlands Hospice!
Kex Gill on course to open by end of June, say council
No Northern train services next Thursday due to strike
Developer's bid to change planning condition on Silsden housing estate raises concerns
Local young dancers chosen for production of Swan Lake
South Craven plans to join East Lancashire schools in new Trust
Council increases library fines for first time in a decade
A-list celebrities support Brownies Bookmark Project
Heat Pump & Solar Panel Open Day in Ilkley on Saturday
Armed Forces Brew Up to take place at Airedale Hospital
Friends of Ilkley Moor announces AGM
Lidl seeks new stores in Ilkley, Skipton and Keighley
Ilkley Civic Society raises concerns over proposals for Changing Places Toilet
Countdown to “spectacular” Mardi-Gras themed Ilkley Carnival begins!
Craven Museum shortlisted for major national award
Tributes paid to 14 year old killed at weekend in Keighley crash
14 year old boy dies in Keighley road crash
New acoustic lineup announced for Ilkley Pride 2024
