Rare cancer sufferer Steven raises £1,500 for Rotherham hospital charity

Pictured left to right: Rachel Goodgrove, clinical nurse specialist (haematology); Steven Bryan; volunteer Julie Blackburn and Steven’s partner Holly Slinn with staff at Ward A6.

Steven Bryan (34), of Hackness Lane in Brinsworth, was delighted to ring the bell on Rotherham Hospital’s Ward A6 to mark the end of his chemotherapy — six months after he was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma.

As well as resolving to beat the the disease, he was determined to raise money to help other cancer patients.

The Sheffield Wednesday fan arranged a football match between teams from the Three Magpies and Thirsty Flame pubs in Brinsworth.

A casino night at the Three Magpies in September boosted the fundraising pot for Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity to £1,550.

Steven, a self-employed plasterer, said: “When I was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma it was a complete shock.

“But I went back to work the day after and tried not to dwell on it too much.

“I started my chemotherapy treatment a few weeks later, which made me feel really rough, as anyone who has been through it will know.”

He added: “I wanted to fundraise for the Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity to say thank you to everyone at Rotherham Hospital — particularly the nurses and volunteers on Ward A6, who looked after me so well.

“Having that extra goal to work towards also spurred me on through the chemotherapy.

“It’s been great fun raising money for the charity with my friends and family, who have all been so supportive, especially everyone from the Three Magpies who help be arrange the events.

“Raising so much money and ringing the bell on Ward A6 to signal the end of my treatment made me feel really proud and I really enjoyed it.”

Gabby Atmarow, chair of the charitable funds committee, thanked Steven for his hard work.

She said: “The bell on Ward A6 is seen as a symbol of hope for patients as well as giving them a chance to mark a major milestone in their treatment with their families, hospital staff and other patients.

“It’s remarkable what Steven has achieved for the charity during such a challenging time in his life.

“We’re incredibly grateful to him and everyone who supported him.”

She added: “We will be working with colleagues at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust to ensure the money Steven raised will benefit other patients like him in Rotherham.”