SAYING thank you to the hospital that is helping him fight stomach cancer, Anthony [Tony] Greenaway of Pyworthy and his wife Sheila recently presented a cheque for £800 to the Seamoor Unit at North Devon District Hospital (NDHT).

Each year Anthony and Sheila create a fantastic display of lights for the festive period with visitors able to give a donation. The couple have been doing these displays for almost twenty years now, supporting a range of charities in that time.

Tony said: “In the past we have supported many different charities. Our grandson was born eleven weeks early so we raised money for the baby care unit at Derriford. We have also raised funds for the air ambulance, The Long House in Holsworthy, breast cancer and one of our neighbours passed away from asbestos related issues so we raised money for that too.”

The Greenaway family choose the Seamoor Unit this year in appreciation for their help and support during Tony’s illness.

He was diagnosed on July 16 with cancer. After eight biopsies and key hole surgery it was decided that chemotherapy was the right course of action by doctors. Tony has been receiving treatment since September at the Seamoor Unit and he said he is so grateful for all they have done.

“To begin with, before the treatment, I could barely manage a cup of coffee and had no energy but I am eating better now and I am able to potter around and do a few odd jobs in the shed.”

He wanted to express his thanks, most of all though to all those who have helped him give back to the unit, and added: “I want to say thank you to all those who have donated. This year was the highest amount we have ever raised — we normally get up to about £600.”

Tony and Sheila travelled up to the Seamoor Unit recently for another round of chemotherapy and whilst there presented the cheque for £800.

Tony said: “The one thing that struck me was how many people are up there with cancer. It is like, when one seat is left empty it is filled by another patient almost instantly.

“They are very good to their patients, providing tea and coffee, and are currently doing an extension but I said they can use the money on whatever they like whether that be new equipment or just tea and coffee for visitors.

“We know a lot of people in our area who have had cancer and we are just grateful to all those that donated — usually we just get the odd bit of change through the letter box but people were giving notes this time, I think it is a cause that has touched many in the area, so thank you for helping us raise this much money for the unit.”