Mike Peters launches new campaign – By Your Side
Welsh rocker and cancer patient Mike Peters has today launched a major fundraising drive to enhance cancer care across North Wales with a ‘Big Busk’ in each of North Wales’ three biggest hospitals.
Peters, from Dyserth, Denbighshire, was joined by local choirs and schoolchildren, as well as patients and healthcare staff for the launch of the ‘By Your Side’ (Wrth Dy Ochr) appeal.
At Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, children from Ysgol y Garnedd sang brilliantly on their own and with Mike.
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Mike Peters said: “Between November 2014 and May 2017 we’re aiming to raise £351,120 with the NHS charity, Awyr Las; that’s £1 for every foot from Ysbyty Gwynedd to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd to Wrexham Maelor. I hope that some of you will be able to join me In May 2017 to walk this distance.”
He added: “As a two-times cancer survivor, I owe everything to the healthcare staff here in North Wales who have provided me with fantastic care since I was first diagnosed with cancer nearly 20 years ago.”
Peters was first diagnosed with lymph cancer in 1995, and after going into remission in 1996, he received the devastating news that his cancer had returned as Leukaemia in 2005. Since then, Peters has received regular treatment on the Alaw Unit in Ysbyty Gwynedd.
Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board’s Head of Cancer Services Sharon Thomas said the ‘By Your Side’ appeal would play an important role in helping healthcare staff deliver excellent care for an ever increasing number of patients.
“Because patients are living longer after a diagnosis of cancer we need more charitable support every year to ensure that our patients get the very best experience that they all deserve.”
“By Your Side is a fitting name for the appeal because our NHS charity, Awyr Las, stands by the side of local cancer patients from diagnosis to post treatment care, funding a range of extras like bespoke wigs, complementary therapies, new medical equipment and extra patient comforts that we know make a real difference for people with cancer.”
Peters is planning to take part in a range of different fundraising activities over the next few years to raise money for the campaign, from growing a beard during the month of ‘JanuHairy’ to organising his annual ‘Snowdon Rocks’ event.
He’s encouraging the general public in North Wales to get behind the campaign.
“I can’t smash the ‘By Your Side’ target on my own. I’d love it if people from communities across North Wales could get involved in this campaign.”
“I know that this is a cause that’s close to many people’s hearts, as we all know somebody in our community who’s been affected by cancer.”
To find out more about the appeal, please visit www.byyoursideappeal.org www.wrthdyochr.org or www.facebook.com/awyrlascharity, or call the Awyr Las Fundraising Support Team on 01248 384395.
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