THANK YOU
This year, perhaps more than ever, we want to thank our supporters for your immense generosity. The past few years have demonstrated the best of our community as you have rallied around to offer both time and financial gifts, allowing ELF to continue providing services to patients through the pandemic. We hope this report gives you a sense of the difference you’ve made to patients, families and the wonderful staff at the Haematology Centre.
PATIENT STORY - SOPHIA
In August 2022, Sophia’s family received a devastating leukaemia diagnosis. At just 14 months old, Sophia was facing many months of treatment. ELF has been on hand to provide Sophia’s family with support, offering lifts to and from many of her appointments. Santa even got involved to make sure there were plenty of gifts for Sophia and her brother under the tree at Christmas. This spring, Sophia’s dad Jason will be giving back to ELF by taking part in our annual skydive.
Donate now to support more patients like Sophia
ULTRASOUND
In the autumn, we provided £20,000 for the purchase of an ultrasound machine to help the nursing team insert cannulas. The machine helps speed up the process and decreases patient waiting time and discomfort.
F L O W E R P O T S
In September, we purchased new plants and pots to brighten the Chevithorne Suite garden. The family suite’s construction was fully funded by ELF in 2017, allowing relatives to stay with their loved ones on the ward.
VIDEOS
We are supporting Haematology Consultant, Dr Tony Todd, with the production of a series of information videos for patients and their families. The videos aim to offer clear explanations to patients and their loved ones what to expect from treatment.
SUPPORTER STORY - ANN
Ann’s husband Stan was diagnosed with Myeloma in 2010. They joined a group led by an ELF Counsellor, where they made friends and shared their views and experiences. An ELF volunteer regularly visited Stan and they also made use of the transport service. Stan and his band raised thousands of pounds for ELF, and Ann helped organise a memorial concert for Stan last year. Stan always said, “if you have to be ill then let it be in Yarty, the best place in the hospital”. Over the 11 years that Stan battled myeloma, we came to regard both ELF and Yarty as our friends and our home.
CORPORATE SUPPORT - CAR SPONSORSHIP
We are delighted to announce a new partnership with JMC Group, the leading South-West based aviation services company. JMC, located at the International Office Park, Exeter Airport, will sponsor the ELF transport service for patients attending the Haematology Centre at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E), funding three vehicles until 2026. We’re extremely grateful to JMC Group for committing to support ELF for the next three years, helping to secure this vital patient service.
LEGACIES
ELF is funded entirely by voluntary gifts from individuals, local businesses, community organisations and charitable trusts. Around 25% of the income we receive is from gifts left in Wills. A gift in your Will can support the Haematology Centre and many more local families, affected by blood cancer and related conditions, for many decades to come. We understand that family comes first; however, even as little as 1% of your estate can make a difference.