Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year nominee – Russell Rushton

Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year nominee – Russell Rushton

The husband of a neurosurgery patient has raised £1,450 for UHNM Charity to thank staff who were involved in his wife’s care.

Russell Rushton, aged 71, from Cheddleton, raised the money for Ward 228 at Royal Stoke University Hospital after his wife Jane received care from the ward after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in June 2024.

Jane was operated on in August 2024 by consultant neurosurgeon Howard Brydon before receiving care from the critical care unit, ward 228 and ward 227 then continuing her care at Haywood Hospital in Burslem.

Russell raised money through the sale of Christmas Santas and Robins which had been crocheted by Santa’s helpers, Tracy and Jayne. In addition, the Wetley Rocks Male Voice Choir, where Russell is a member, made a donation from the proceeds of their Christmas concert.

Russell said: “The staff have been absolutely terrific. This shows Jane was in great care and was shown love in the process. The team are like our new family.

“Jane was also held back as she had a case of pneumonia. Despite the setbacks, Jane battled through this with dedication and the support from the amazing team around her.”

Russell visited Royal Stoke to present his cheque to staff on ward 228.

Senior staff nurse Tammie Latham said: “It’s not just the recognition we have towards our patients, it’s also the relationships that we build.

“Without UHNM Charity, funding for things such as new equipment to help improve patient experience during their stay with us wouldn’t be possible.”

Russell Rushton has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer category of the Your Heroes Awards.