Bude Folk Club organised a concert last November to raise funds for the Exeter Leukemia Fund (ELF) and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Both charities have supported members of the club who have needed them in recent months.
At the end of 2014, Debbie Merritt’s husband, Steve Merritt, 53 from Holsworthy, was diagnosed with Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma.
It was a shock to discover the diagnosis, as previously Steve’s only symptom had been he was feeling tired.
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His consultant, Dr Hamilton, was able to offer a trial that was being run at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital – from there the Merritts grew a relationship with ELF.
The support they gained from workers at ELF was invaluable to them. From the beginning members of the team would meet them for ‘Filing Time’ with smiling faces and a cup of tea.
It would take Debbie and Steve an hour and a half to reach the centre, usually for an 8.30am or 9am start, where the cup of tea was very welcome.
They have, on occasion made use of one of the centre’s home from home flats. But their journey is not yet complete as unfortunately Steve has had side effectst, causing delays to the process.
He was due to start stem cell transplant treatment, but is unfortunately not well enough, resulting in more delays.
Debbie said: “We’ll be calling upon ELF and its lovely staff and services during 2016. We couldn’t be more grateful for the services they provide, especially to those of us who live further away from Exeter.”
The concert organised to raise funds for the charity that has helped the Merritts through this difficult time was a great success.
Guest artists freely gave their time and talent, including Martyn Babb, Geoff Lakeman, Jim Causley and Bill Murray, Mike O’Connor and Barbara Griggs, Thorn and Roses, Friggin Riggin, Roger Bryant, and Moe Keast.
Tim Browning, of the Falcon Hotel kindly donated the Acland Suite, Chadds donated the pasties and Lansdown Dairies the cream for the cream tea supper.