A GUITAR signed by Brian May has raised thousands for the Oesophageal Cancer Unit at Heartlands Hospital Birmingham.
Bill Byrne, who was diagnosed with with the cancer in 2017, decided to give back to the hospital who saved his life by holding a ball to fundraise for the hospital Charity.
The ball included an auction, which featured several special items – most notably a guitar signed by legendary Queen guitarist Brian May which went to the highest bidder for £3,500.
Attendees included some of the doctors and nurses who treated Bill, as well as their families were at the ball when it was announced Bill has raised £16,500 for the unit so far.
Bill said: “My family decided to raise monies for Heartlands Oesophageal Cancer Unit after the amazing treatment I received from the cancer team. Above all I’d like to give Joanne Callan and Rajwinder Nijjar a special mention, as Rajwinder and his teams exceptional skill navigating the 10-hour operation saved my life; I can’t thank them enough.
“Near the start of the ball the fundraising team were over the moon to announce to our attendees that we had already raised over £10,000.
“To be able to reach a final total of £16,500 meant so much to everyone who joined me in fundraising.
“They all put in such a huge effort to raise such an incredible amount. We are thrilled to support the Oesophageal Team and help them raise awareness on how to avoid this terrible disease.”
Previously, Bill took part in the Sutton Park Fun Run not long after his operation.
Rajwinder said: “Oesophageal Cancer is a very aggressive disease.
“Early stages of Oesophageal Cancer can often be mistaken for other more minor problems which is part of the reason why it is often diagnosed late.
“These early symptoms can include heartburn, bloating, feeling sick, and upper abdominal pain.
“I urge anyone who has persistent symptoms like this to bring it to the attention of your doctor, especially if they have started without explanation or you are 50 and above.
“We can treat oesophageal cancer successfully if we can make an early diagnosis.”
