We are delighted to share with you this report on the impact your gifts made in 2023 to blood cancer patients, and their families, in Devon. You have allowed the ELF counselling service to reach more patients than ever, including, for the first time, children and young people. With your support we have also launched the ELF Fellowship Programme, allowing haematology staff to improve their knowledge and skills. ELF is entirely funded by voluntary donations and gifts in Wills. Your generosity makes all the difference. THANK YOU
PATIENT PROFILE
Ollie, aged 4, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia on New Year’s Eve in 2022. The following months were difficult for the family, including mum, dad and brother William, now aged 2. Your gifts have enabled Ollie’s family to receive much needed support, including replacing an oven which broke just before Christmas. Ollie’s mum said of their experience “You get caught up in it and washed away. You just need to keep running.” Thanks to your generosity, ELF has been there to support Ollie’s family, and will continue to be there for them throughout Ollie’s journey.
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MADE TO SOPHIA
Last year, we told you about Sophia, diagnosed with leukaemia at just 18 months old. Now aged 3 and thriving as she comes towards the end of her treatment, Sophia and her family have expressed their gratitude for your support. The gifts you make, the volunteering hours you supply and the awareness you raise all ensure we can help patients like Sophia have the best possible outcomes.
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Following an appeal for funds in 2022, ELF appointed Lorraine Brown as Counselling Services Lead. Since Lorraine’s arrival in August, we have been able to increase the number of patients receiving counselling, and also introduce counselling for children and young people. This much needed service will help to ensure that young patients, and the children and grandchildren of adult patients, get the support they need.
THE MILES JOYNER FELLOWSHIP
The first ELF Fellowship, named after ELF’s founder, was awarded to Rachael Jones, a nurse on Yarty Ward. Rachael is undertaking a Masters degree in Advanced Practice Nursing. She says “my…research will hopefully go some way to informing us of the experiences of patients in that posttreatment period and how we as a service can better support them through various routes including third-sector partners.” Rachael is well known to ELF, having raised over £2000 for ELF through various challenge events.
TRANSPORT
ELF’s transport service continues to make a difference to so many patients struggling with getting to and from hospital appointments. ELF drivers covered 47,314 miles in 2023, travelling across Devon. We are grateful to JMC Aviation for their sponsorship of our fleet of cars. “This service is marvellous; I would need to catch two buses and a train to get to the hospital, at considerable time, expense and energy.” Jeanette from Kilmington
CHRISTMAS GIFT BAGS
With support from local businesses, 25 in-patients received gift bags this Christmas. A small gesture that makes a big difference to those spending the holiday in hospital.
ACCOMMODATION
The re-launch of ELF’s accommodation service offers patients the opportunity to stay in hotels close to the hospital and can take away the stress of longer journeys when receiving treatment. “It took so much stress away knowing that we didn’t have to travel backwards and forwards to Hatherleigh on two consecutive days.” Angela
CCG/SAINTS SOUTHWEST FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
In July, local business CCG Decorators and Saints Southwest joined forces to organise our biggest supporter-led fundraising event of the year, a charity football tournament with 240 adult players and hundreds of spectators in attendance. The event raised over £9,000 for ELF, and we’re delighted to be a part of the returning 2024 event again this year. Well done and thank you to all involved. If you’d like to enter a team or volunteer at this year’s event on 27th July, then please get in touch.
SUPPORTER PROFILE
Fundraising superstar Luci Lacey, Proprietor of Exminster Golf Centre, had a vision from her hospital bed on Yarty Ward two years ago. After being diagnosed with Leukaemia in 2022, Luci wanted to give something back as a thank you for the great support she received at the Haematology Centre. And she’s done just that! Luci and Exminster Golf Centre have raised over £20,000 to date and are hoping to achieve £25,000 in total with another event on 20th April, which will mark the two-year anniversary of Luci’s initial diagnosis.
Around 25% of the income ELF receives comes from gifts in Wills. People remember ELF in their Wills for many reasons. For some, it’s a dedication to those who helped them through their treatment. For others, it’s in memory of someone they lost. Whatever the reason, your gift will support future generations of blood cancer patients and their families.
For more information, please email Molly Southwood at molly@elfcharity.org.uk.