Cancer patient Claire Alcorn has given a massive vote of thanks to staff on the oncology ward at QEHB that helped treat her.

Claire, from Kings Norton, was a breast cancer patient at the hospital last year, during which she received chemotherapy on Ward 621.

She has now repaid the staff for all the care and treatment they gave her by handing over a cheque for £5,850 following a fundraising event which she organised on behalf of the ward.

The cheque, which has since been rounded up to £6,000 following additional donations, was handed over to Matron Mary Day and Sister Nichola Thompson outside QEHB.

The money has gone to the 621 Trust Fund, which forms part of QEHB Charity.

Claire, aged 36, said: “I had breast cancer last year and they were absolutely brilliant on the ward when they gave me my chemo. I wanted to do something to thank them, so I had a big charity evening at the Irish Centre in Digbeth, Birmingham, and raised £6,000 by charging people £10 a head.

“We did a raffle and laid on refreshments, and there was also an Irish band called Slackjaws which involved a few of my friends.”

She added: “I had surgery, as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but I am all clear now.”

Mary said she was delighted to accept the cheque on behalf of the ward.

“It is absolutely fantastic that Claire has gone to so much trouble and effort to benefit other patients in this way. We all had a fabulous time at the charity event.

“We will be looking to purchase iPads or DVD players so patients can watch films while having their treatment.”

QEHB Charity funds equipment, research and training which is over and above that which the NHS provides and aims to make a difference to the lives of patients, visitors and staff at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. To find out more please visit the QEHB Charity website.