A guitar signed by Brian May helps raise thousands for Birmingham Hospital Charity

An amazing supporter of Heartlands Hospital Charity has raised an incredible £16,500 to go towards the Oesophageal Cancer Unit at Heartlands Hospital Birmingham.

Bill Byrne, who was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2017, decided to give back to the hospital who saved his life by holding a ball at the Burlington Hotel to fundraise for the hospital Charity. The ball included an auction, which featured several special items. Most notably, a guitar signed by legendary Queen guitarist, Brian May went to the highest bidder for £3,500. Attendees included some of the doctors and nurses who treated Bill, as well as their families.

To raise as much money as possible and show his appreciation for the Heartlands team, Bill also took part in the Sutton Park Fun Run not long after his operation. Bill chose to receive treatments through the NHS after treatment through private healthcare was unsuccessful.

Bill said: “My family decided to raise monies for Heartlands Oesophageal Cancer Unit after the amazing treatment I received from the cancer team. Above all I’d like to give Joanne Callan and Mr Nijjar a special mention, as Mr Nijjar and his teams exceptional skill navigating the 10-hour operation saved my life; I can’t thank them enough.

“Near the start of the ball the fundraising team were over the moon to announce to our attendees that we had already raised over £10,000. To be able to reach a final total of £16,500 meant so much to everyone who joined me in fundraising. They all put in such a huge effort to raise such an incredible amount. We are thrilled to support the Oesophageal Team and help them raise awareness on how to avoid this terrible disease.

“To help us raise this money, special thanks to Carole my wife, my sister Cathy, Professor Sheeran and wife Angela. Also, our sponsors, Alan Greensall who got the guitar signed by Brian May, Sarah and Roy Woolly of Krypton Jewellers, Alex and Sheila Hayes of Drac Logistics, Jim and Sarah from Churchill Window Solution’s, and to all our helpers on the night my children Jayne, Liam and their partners Ayshea and Paul, as well as Jo Canning who looked after money collecting and our accounts.”

Mr Rajwinder Nijjar, who treated Bill, said: “Bill has worked hard to raise a lot of money. Oesophageal Cancer is a very aggressive disease. Early stages of Oesophageal Cancer can often be mistaken for other more minor problems which is part of the reason why it is often diagnosed late. These early symptoms can include heartburn, bloating, feeling sick, and upper abdominal pain. I urge anyone who has persistent symptoms like this to bring it to the attention of your doctor, especially if they have started without explanation or you are 50 and above. We can treat oesophageal cancer successfully if we can make an early diagnosis.”

To find out more about Oesophageal Cancer, follow: www.nhs.uk/conditions/oesophageal-cancer/ (http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/oesophageal-cancer/)