Family make donation to Centre for Clinical Haematology

Carl Garmson has received treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for the past four years, after being diagnosed with a type of blood cancer called myelodysplastic syndrome.

As part of his treatment, Carl received a bone marrow transplant from his sister, Dawn, after she was found to be a match. Carl is still receiving treatment at the hospital, and is incredibly grateful to his sister for the bone marrow transplant that helped to keep him alive.

Sadly, Carl’s brother Paul died suddenly of a heart attack in February 2019. Paul’s wife Tracey, along with the rest of the family, wanted to raise money at Paul’s funeral. The family decided to raise money for two causes, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity, and the Midlands Air Ambulance.

Thanks to the donations at Paul’s funeral, Carl has purchased a Dyson fan and three smart tablets for the Apheresis Unit at the Centre for Clinical Haematology at QEHB.

He said: “Paul often brought me along to the hospital for my appointments, and it’s a cause that is close to my family’s hearts. Dawn spent time on the unit during the bone marrow transplant and she said that it could be hot on the unit and there was only one fan.

“Many patients have to spend eight hours per day on the unit, which can get boring. I thought it would be great to buy some tablets so the patients can keep entertained whilst on the ward.”

Carl and Dawn made the trip to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, with Carl’s mum, to donate the items to the unit.

Cathryn Worth, Fundraising Manager at QEHB Charity, said: “Huge thanks goes to Carl, Dawn, Tracey and all of the family for these kind donations to the unit. They will help to keep our patients cool and entertained whilst they are receiving their treatment, helping to make the hospital experience much better for them.”