A DJ and musician is still singing the praises of the Swansea Bay University Health Board urology department that helped save his life seven years ago.
[aoa id=”1″]Plastic Sam underwent surgery at Morriston Hospital after being diagnosed with cancer in his kidney and bladder on Valentine’s Day 2012. He went on to recover and has been sharing the love, in the form of fundraising for the department, each year ever since.[/aoa]
His latest effort – The 7th annual Valentines Thank You Gig held at the Garage in Uplands, which featured his band, Stargazer – raised £4,200.
The money was presented to staff at Morriston Hospital recently.
He said: “After my first year of still being on this planet and not being taken up into the skies, I just wanted to say thank you to the people who saved my life. That’s why I began the music event.
“As I was diagnosed on Valentine’s Day I always try to arrange the gig as close to February 14 as possible, next year, 2020, it will be on Valentine’s Day itself.
“It takes a lot of planning but I get a lot of support from the different acts.
“Every year I get people who have been through something similar, coming up to me saying, I know where you are coming from, I’ve got the t-shirt as well, or they will know someone who has had cancer.”
Vicky Jenkins, Secretary to Clinical Nurse Specialists Urology, said: “Sam also performs with his band the Stargazers at these events which is a real treat to see patients continue with their passion following an extensive procedure.
“The money raised goes towards much needed supplies for patients that undergo extensive surgery and has actually helped towards a quiet room in the past for the surgical speciality directorate where patients and relatives could meet with the Consultant and team to discuss their diagnosis and care.
“The urology department would like to thank Sam for his ongoing determination and generosity. We appreciate that it must take a lot of effort to organise these events.”
