CHFT Charity would like to dedicate National Graeful Patient Day to Laraine Cowgill. Laraine wanted to hold a Frank Sinatra and Friends evening in aid of the Urology Unit at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Laraine contacted us at CHFT Charity to take through the process and to tell us all about her story.
"When you receive news about your health, which you never dreamed would happen, it turns your world upside down. It is only because of the people you meet along your journey that you are able to deal with things.
In my case, these professionals are Mr. A. Mustafa and his amazingly fabulous team in the Urology Diagnostic Unit at Huddersfied Royal Infirmary who enabled me, after consultations and constant support to make an informed decision on the next stage of my care which ultimately meant having my left kidney removed.
At the beginning of this journey, I needed to find a project to fill the void in my head and stop myself from being totally consumed by "what if" and the next stages. I am a long time member of some 40 years plus, of a local theatre company HAOS Productions who have been based in Halifax for over 100 years and this was my 'Go To' place.
I asked a friend, Ben Eagle, (currently in rehearsal with a David Walliams tourning production of The Demon Dentist) in which he is playing PC Plank. Ben, alongside 2 other special long time friends, Rebecca Cawthra and Francine Graham, agreed to join him on stage with a Tribute evening to Frank Sinatra whom Ben has been an avid admirer and fan of for many years. If you close your eyes when he is singing, you cannot tell the difference.
Lots of very dear and close friends helped in many ways by buying tickets, making donations, helping on the two performance evenings and generally being so very supportive of my efforts and I owe each and every one of them a massive debt of gratitude. Along with the performers named above, I have to thank HAOS Productions, particularly Ben Smith and the management team of HAOS for the use of their rehearsal space, Sound & Light Concepts Ltd, based in Clayton West, Huddersfield, and anyone who helped in any way no matter how big or small.
But most of all, I want to thank Mr. Mustafa, Miriam Slade - Urology Nurse Specialist and everyone in the unit in Huddersfield whom I have come into contact - all going above and beyond to ensure I had all the facts and their support.
The final money raised amounted to £1722.00 which has now been transferred to the unit. I hope it hepls in some small way and I will always be grateful to everyone who has helped me along my journey so far.
Thank you so very much." - Laraine Cowgill.
We would like to take this time to thank Laraine for her fundraising efforts - you are truly amazing Laraine and we are glad the Trust could provide you with all the help and support needed whilst going through such a difficult time.
If you have any ideas for a fundraising event, then don't hesitate to get in touch with us at chftfundraising@cht.nhs.uk or call us on 01484 344 344.
