I AM here today because of our hospital – those are the words of the boss of the first corporate backer of the appeal to raise £60,000 to improve the phlebotomy service at St Cross.
James Pak, who runs Jamesway Travel, was given lifesaving clog busting drugs when he arrived at the then casualty department suffering from heart pains. His mother also once worked at the town’s much-loved hospital.
And he is continuing to repay the care he was given with a £500 donation as well as donating £600 worth of vouchers to be auctioned off at The Friends of the Hospital of St Cross Christmas fund-raiser and next year’s dinner and dance.
“I have been personally aware of the wonderful job that St Cross does for over 40 years – ever since a close friend contracted Leukaemia and my mother started to work there as an auxiliary,” Mr Pak said.
“Eight years ago staff in casualty saved my life when I turned up at their
door feeling poorly and they correctly diagnosed that I was having a major heart event. They gave me clot busting drugs and I am here today thanks to them.
“I am delighted to support the Friends Diamond Jubilee Appeal as they do fabulous work and I know are well regarded by many of our customers who I see when I use the Blood Taking Service.”
A cheque for £2,000 has also been banked from the Rugby Dunsmore Rotary Club whose president Mike Hutton also chose the appeal to fund the relocation of the hospital’s blood service into the heart of the Rainsbrook Wing, double its capacity and create its own dedicated access from what is currently the volunteers’ car park as his charity of the year.
A share of the proceeds from September 28’s Run for Rotary event at Draycote Water will also be donated.
Mr Hutton said: “St Cross is a valued essential part of Rugby town and really merits the support of all the citizens and the Rotarians.”
The appeal was launched two weeks ago with the aim of getting the new-look service open by the end of next year – the Friends’ own diamond jubilee year.
Spokesman Willy Goldschmidt added: “It’s great to have such strong support for the appeal from business and community organisations, and to see the variety of ways in which they have chosen to raise funds.
“We are keen to hear from other companies, clubs and societies from the town who wish to become involved. In particular, we would love to have a bumper set of prizes for this year’s Christmas Raffle.”
To support the appeal email [email protected] or to enter the Run for Rotary, a 10k run, 1km fun run and 2km cycle ride, log onto rfr.1060.org.uk.
