Hospice patient’s fundraiser smashes target

Graham Molloy, 56, from the Southside originally set a target of raising £7,500 after learning how much it costs to run the hospice each day.

Graham was diagnosed with throat cancer about five years ago which then developed into skin cancer.

He received treatment at the time but about two years later he developed a sore back and was referred for a chest x-ray which led to having a CT scan done.

Graham was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2019 and underwent surgery at NHS Golden Jubilee Hospital and received chemotherapy at the New Victoria.

During 2020 Graham was greatly affected by the pandemic due to his illness and was effectively a prisoner in his own home. He was reliant on his family of two sons, Barry (35) and Kieran (26) to do his shopping and pass it to him through his window.

Sadly, the cancer has since spread to Graham’s liver and he was told that there were no further treatments available for him.

Graham said: “I was being treated at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital a few months back when a doctor came to talk to me.

Alistair told me about The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice and all the care they could offer me. I decided to investigate and was astounded to learn it costs about £16,000 each day to run their services. Even before I left hospital for the hospice, I decided I wanted to do something to help so I started a Gofundme. I set my target at £7,500 and over the past month it has raised more than £10,000. I have been so touched by everyone’s generosity.”

Since being in the hospice over the past few weeks, Graham has been overwhelmed by the kindness and dedication of the staff.

He says: “Not only is the hospice just such a lovely peaceful and friendly place, the staff are just amazing.

"Night and day they are there looking after us all, nothing is ever too much trouble. And the biggest difference for me has been that my puppy Rottweiler, Saoirse has been allowed to visit me. It’s just these little things that make the hospice a special place.

“My son has been bringing in bird feed and has filled up all the feeders outside. It’s so nice to sit with my bedroom door open onto the patio and watch the birds.

“I couldn’t be in a better place and it’s so important to me that the fundraiser is as successful as it can be to help patients in the future benefit from such an amazing place.”

Rhona Baillie, Chief Executive, The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, said: “We are very grateful to Graham and everyone who has donated to his fundraiser. While our care and services are free to everyone who needs them, as a charity we do rely on the public’s generosity to keep the hospice running.

“Graham is doing an amazing thing at a very difficult time in his life and I know his efforts will greatly benefit our patients in the future.”

Visit Graham’s Gofundme me here