Broughton in Craven Circle present cheque for President’s charity 2016/17.

Broughton in Craven Circle meet at the Tempest Arms Elslack on the first Thursday of each month at 8pm.

Each year as part of our programme of activities we raise funds for a good cause nominated by our President. In 2016/17 our President was Bernard Swarbrick who chose as his good cause H.O.D.U. [Haematology and Oncology Department Unit] at Airdale Hospital.

Bernard’s wife Elaine has undergone two courses of chemotherapy in H.O.D.U.and both Elaine and Bernard noted that the few comfortable reclining chairs in the unit were at a premium, and that it was particularly difficult for a patient who was not well to sit in a less comfortable chair for many hours. Since that time fellow Broughton Catenians, also undergoing treatment, have experienced the same situation,and have themselves lent their support to the fundraising.The total was raised via individual donations, money given in lieu of Christmas cards, birthday donations given to Bernard  instead of birthday presents, and a massive £500 raised on the occasion of the diamond wedding of Catenians Edwin and Maureen Murgatroyd.

On Wednesday 28^th June eight of our members and wives went along to H.O.D.U. in order to meet staff and pass on the funds raised. President Bernard Swarbrick presented a cheque for £1,609 to Pat Dyminski, Lead Chemotherapy Nurse Specialist and Kathy Shearer, Haematology Nurse Specialist on behalf of the Unit.

Pat explained some of the work of the unit saying that the money will be used to purchase extra reclining chairs to be used by day patients when receiving their treatments sometimes for up to eight hours. There is a shortage of these, meaning that some patients need to sit on normal hospital chairs for prolonged periods. More are always needed.

We as a group are very proud to be able to support the unit. Our new President for 2017/18 Chris Beesley is also planning to raise funds for a similar good cause. If you are interested in finding out more about the Catenian Association please approach your Parish Priest who will put you in touch with a member.

L èR  Margaret Binns, Eddie Murgatroyd, Elaine Swarbrick, Harry Binns, Pat Dyminski [Lead Chemotherapy Nurse Specialist], Bernard Swarbrick [President 2016/17], Kathy Shearer [Haematology Nurse Specialist], Maureen Murgatroyd, Claire Bohills.  Chris Bohills is taking the picture.