Donated money is spent on new equipment, facilities to make treatment more comfortable for both patients and carers and research into methods of managing and monitoring leukaemia and related blood diseases carried out at the hospital.
Limited edition painting by local artist celebrates 20 Years of ELF
The Bishops Gate at Exeter Cathedral was painted by Keith Lord, a patient at the Haematology Centre at the RD&E and he has donated the painting and 300 signed limited edition prints to ELF to sell as part of the celebrations of 20 Years of ELF which launches on 22 October with a Service of Thanksgiving in the Cathedral.
Keith has worked in the building industry all his life. Born in Coventry he left school in 1961 to work for a local firm of builders. He owned sawmills in Coventry, Tiverton and Exbridge before selling up and settling in Thorverton in 1998 and focusing on architecture and building.
Diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2003 he subsequently developed Pneumonia and Septicemia but says his treatment in Yarty was incredible. “I wouldn’t recommend lymphoma to anybody but if you have to have it, have it in Exeter” is Keith’s recommendation. He was one of the early patients to be treated at the Haematology Centre, for which ELF provided two thirds of the funding (£1.5 million). It was officially opened by HRH, The Princess Royal in September 2003. It is recognised as one of the best in Europe.
He is now living in Thorverton with his wife, Valerie, Keith has painted as a hobby for many years and concentrates on doors and wildlife. Last year he came across photos of the Bishop’s Gate, he paints from photographs, and then discovered the painting and realized that he had painted the door while becoming ill. Since his illness Keith, who is a member of the Association of Building Engineers, concentrates on architecture and says he wishes he had made that move years ago.
A limited edition of 300 prints has been created to celebrate 20 Years of ELF and are available through the ELF Office (01392 493344) price £21 unframed and £59.95 framed.
On 22 October 1987 the Deed of Trust establishing Exeter Leukaemia Fund as a Charity was signed and registered (Charity Number 297910). Amost £4 million has been contributed to Haematology at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust since then. A Service of Thanksgiving will be held in Exeter Cathedral on the anniversary, Monday 22 October 2007, which will launch ELF Week. Throughout the following twelve months a number of special anniversary events will be organized and established events will incorporate the 20 Years of ELF brand.
For more information please contact the ELF office on (01392) 493344.
Release Date: 15th August 2007.