The Redevelopment Appeal secures a major boost

Posted by Sam Bowie on 06 March 2014

The Redevelopment Appeal has received a major boost after an RNOH patient and his family, who operate a successful telecommunications and utility services company, donated a very generous £25,000.

Declan Kelly recently received treatment at the RNOH, and he and his family decided to give something back to the hospital after witnessing first-hand the outstanding care and support that the RNOH provides to its patients and their families. 

Last year Declan was diagnosed with chordoma of the coccyx, a rare form of spinal cancer, and was unable to walk unaided before he received treatment. He was operated on by Professor Tim Briggs and his team in November last year, who successfully removed the tumour. The day after his operation Declan was able to stand up and walk on his own.

Declan specifically praised the work of Professor Briggs, thanking him and his team for the life-saving treatment they provided and the support they gave to his wife Christina, and their children Saffron, Dylan and Aaron.

Mr Kelly said: “I owe my life to Professor Briggs, who truly inspired me back to full health. The level of professionalism and support shown to me and my family, as well as to other patients alike, was nothing short of outstanding.

“My family and I are delighted to support the Appeal – we felt that it was our duty to show gratitude and make a donation that would help improve facilities for future patients so that they can continue to receive the very best standard of care.”

In addition to the family’s generous donation, the Kellys will be taking part in this year's Buttercup Walk, and hope that patients past and present as well as local residents will turn out to support its cause.

Rosie Stolarski, Director of Fundraising and Development at The RNOH Charity, is thrilled with the donation: “We are very thankful to the Kellys for their incredible generosity. Their donation will make an invaluable contribution towards providing state-of-the-art facilities for our new hospital, and will help to improve the quality and efficiency of the services provided at the RNOH.”