News

Raising money at the rugby - 08 February 2010

Patients and staff from Hammersmith Hospital's haematology department raised nearly 1,000 GBP for the hospital-based charity Leuka at a recent rugby match at the Twickenham Stoop Stadium. 

The charity was invited to make a collection by the rugby team Harlequins who played against the Cardiff Blues. 

(Pictured from left to right: Patient Richard Willoughby, Professor Jane Apperley and Harlequin and England rugby union player Mike Brown) 


Patient Richard Willoughby, a Harlequins season ticket holder who helped organise the event, said: "I thought people were extremely generous in the money they gave and it was a great opportunity to meet and be photographed with the players.

"I wanted to do something to raise money for Leuka because of the fantastic care I've received at Hammersmith Hospital for chronic myeloid leukaemia. 

"I know some patients may not be able to manage their condition as well as others with the medication currently available, or they are drug resistant, so more research is needed to find a solution for them."

Although the Harlequins lost the match (45:20) the ten volunteers successfully collected just over 924 GBP. They also met players Mike Brown, Jordan Turner-Hall and James Percival for photo opportunities. 

The money raised will help Leuka to support research into the causes and treatment of leukaemia. 

For more information on Leuka's work contact Karen Linfield on 020 8383 3238 or visit www.leuka.org.uk. 

For more media enquiries please contact:
Caroline Weller
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust press office
Telephone: 020 3312 1331
Email: caroline.weller@imperial.nhs.uk