The Blackpool Haematology Unit looks after patients within Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre, the whole of Lancashire, Bolton and Cumbria itself.

The haematology unit at Blackpool require a blood gas monitor which costs £20.000. Having this piece of essential equipment in their department, the unit would give doctors and patients immediate results instead of samples having to be sent away. It will give patients quicker results and enable medical staff to provide treatment plans more efficiently.

Haematology units look after patients with blood cancer, anaemia, infections, haemophilia and blood clotting disorders.

The dedicated staff of the Haematology department at Blackpool Victoria Hospital gave us all time, hope and support. Because of them we had 16 months with my dad from his diagnosis. Their support was amazing, not just for my dad but our whole family be it as a family unit or individually. These are exceptional people doing exceptional work.

We are all touched by someone with cancer and we are very much aware the NHS need more help and sometimes getting treatment can be a postcode lottery.

Whilst we do not imagine for one minute we could raise such an amount we would at least like to raise money to putting towards such a vital piece of equipment.

We will be raising money for them throughout 2023 and on Saturday 2nd September 2023 we are having a charity night with a live 4-piece band covering the sounds from the 50's, 60's and 70's. This event is open to the public and all are welcome.

If you would like to come to our charity event get in touch, please contact me through: www.alanyatesmusic.co.uk or contact@alanyatesmusic.co.uk or 07764 880016.

How our journey began:

On the 21st May 2021 little did we know that our world was about to change. Our world being my dad Brian, my mum Sandra, my husband Alan, and me Alyson.

My Dad suddenly was unable to move and we had to call an ambulance. It came to light that my Dad's femur and hip had split open but there was no logical reason for this, he hadn't banged himself or had a fall. It turns out it was the cancer that had caused my dad's bones to break and split open.

On the 25th May after much investigation my Dad was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (a rare terminal blood cancer which accounts for only 2% of all cancers). He was very poorly, he wasn't awake so we could tell him how much we loved him.

On the 26th he was worse and we had to discuss DNR with the consultant. What a shocker, we only found out about the cancer the day before and he only came in to hospital 4 days before that, how can things be this bad so quick.

The 27th May was one of the worst days of our life. We got a call to say come in Dad wasn't going to be pulling through and would not make the weekend. To this point we had all been restricted to seeing my Dad because of the Covid but now we was allowed to be by his side. 

I can not emphasise what a shock this week had been to us all. How quick the tide had turned in our lives.

My Dad did pull through and finally came home in the July, a day that we never thought we would see. He was put on Chemotherapy, which he had everyday to give him some extra time. Time that we was to cherish and make the last of our memories whilst we could.

Sadly my dad passed away on the 23rd September 2022.

Last year we raised £1809.45 for Myeloma UK, this year we are raising money for the haematology department and the team who looked after my dad.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Alyson, Sandra and Alan.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.