Tombola and craft sale raises funds for Fibroscan Appeal

Anne Harper, a patient at the Liver Outpatients Department, organised a craft sale and tombola in aid of the Fibroscan Appeal.

The department is fundraising for a second Fibroscan machine, as the current one is in very high demand. The machines provide instant readings of the stiffness of the liver which, in many cases, can avoid the need for the lengthy and uncomfortable process of a biopsy.

Anne, from Stourbridge, asked local companies to donate prizes and, along with friends Miriam Palmer and Brenda Whitmore, made gifts and craft items for sale.

Altogether, Anne and her team made £250 for the appeal. The Liver Outpatients Department has a fund with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity, the hospital’s official charity.

Anne said: "As a liver patient, I know that having another Fibroscan in the department will have massive benefits for fellow patients who come to the QE. All the people who have donated items and helped me to organise this event have been touched by illness in some way and I’d like to thank them all for their support. Special thanks to my husband Mervyn and Brenda’s husband Eric who have been excellent chauffeurs!"

Chris Bishop, Liver Outpatients Clerical manager, added: “On behalf of the team here in Liver Outpatients, I’d like to thank Anne, Miriam and Brenda – making the items must have taken a lot of time and effort. We are getting ever closer to reaching our Fibroscan Appeal target thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our fundraisers.“