Bronglais Chemo Appeal funds raised by late husband's poetry book

Ann Jones, a 58-year-old supply teacher, has sold books of her late husband’s poetry to raise money for the appeal.

Her husband Rob was diagnosed with multiple myeoma at the age of 42 and was treated at Bronglais Hospital’s day unit for 14 years until his 2018 death.

Mrs Jones, who lives near Llangwyryfon in Ceredigion, said that her husband, who was a farmer, was full of praise for the treatment he received at the hospital.

After his death, she decided to raise money for the appeal by publishing a book of his poems and has raised £3,145.

Rob Jones (Image: Hywel Dda Health Charities)

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She said: “We are so pleased with how much we have been able to raise. The book has been sold near and far, which is great. It’s lovely to think that Rob’s poetry is on people’s bookshelves.

“People have been so generous, donating more than the cover price of the book. Robert would be made up that so much money has been raised from his work.”

Rob's poetry book (Image: Hywel Dda Health Charities)

Bronglais has also been treating Mrs Jones’ 81-year-old mum Joyce Phillips after being diagnosed with bowel cancer at the beginning of lockdown and Michael Phillips, Mrs Jones’ 60-year-old brother who is being monitored after finishing chemotherapy for bowel cancer.

Nicola Llewellyn, head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of the Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “We are delighted to report that the appeal has now passed its target. However, given the current economic climate, we predict that construction costs will increase. Every penny raised, including future donations, will therefore go directly to the appeal fund, with any surplus funds used to support those affected by cancer across Ceredigion and mid Wales.

“We are grateful to Ann Jones and her family for their support and to everyone else who has donated to the appeal.”

For more about the appeal, visit www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk.

There are a few copies of the book left on sale for £8 in Siop Inc, Siop y Pethe and the Farmer’s Co-op in Abersytwyth, and in Llanrhystud Post Office.