Newport and District Agricultural Society Donates £9,000 to Children’s Cancer Ward at Princess Royal Hospital, Telford

Members of the Newport and District Agricultural Society were delighted to present a cheque for £9,000 to The Harry Johnson Trust, with the donation going directly to support the Children’s Cancer Ward at Princess Royal Hospital, Telford.

The funds were raised earlier this year at the Society’s inaugural President’s Lunch, a successful fundraising event organised by the Society’s Re-Gen Committee. The day exceeded all expectations thanks to the incredible generosity of sponsors, supporters and those who donated auction and raffle prizes.

The cause was particularly close to the heart of the Society’s President, David Jones, whose family experienced the vital work of the ward first-hand when their eldest son was diagnosed with a rare form of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at just ten years old.

“The treatment and aftercare we received at Princess Royal Hospital were exceptional and we know first-hand how vital this ward is to families across the county,” said David. “The Society was thrilled to raise such an incredible amount, which will make a real difference to children in Shropshire living with cancer.”

The Harry Johnson Trust was set up in memory of Harry Johnson, who sadly passed away in 2014 aged seven, following a diagnosis of Double Hit Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The charity continues to support children with cancer across Shropshire and works closely with the Princess Royal Hospital to provide comfort, care and practical help to families.

The money raised by Newport Agricultural Society will contribute directly to improving the facilities and services provided by the Children’s Cancer Ward, supporting local children through some of the most challenging times of their lives.

Dr Andrew Cowley, Head of Cancer Services at the University of Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust, welcomed the donation and praised the efforts of the Society:

“Childhood cancer is more common than people realise with 1 in 600 children developing cancer under the age of 16 years. Treatment is often very intensive although survivals are in excess of 80%.  We are an enhanced POSCU (Paediatric Oncology Shared Care Unit) and aim to deliver as much of the child’s chemotherapy locally. This amazing donation will support children and their families battling the childhood cancer journey”.