Engineering lecturer and college team raise £1,000 for UHNM Charity

A grandfather from Clayton has raised £1,000 for UHNM Charity to help improve the experience of cancer patients at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM).

Roger Sharman, 64, was diagnosed with myeloma ten years ago and has since undergone intensive chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, having previously served for 18 years in the Royal Air Force before becoming an engineering lecturer at Newcastle College.

Wanting to thank UHNM staff for their “exceptional care”, Roger was supported by colleagues and students from the college, who used a 3D printer to design, create and sell themed items to raise funds.

Roger said: “Being diagnosed with cancer was life-changing, and the treatment journey has been challenging, but the care I have received at UHNM has been exceptional throughout. The professionalism, kindness and expertise of the medical, nursing and support teams have made an enormous difference to me and my family, and I am extremely grateful for the care and reassurance they continue to provide.

“Fundraising for UHNM felt like a meaningful way to give something back. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by my family, colleagues, students and the wider community, all of whom came together to support this cause.”

Engineering student Jacob Bold said: “Being involved in the fundraising has been a really positive experience. Working alongside Roger and seeing how the work we’ve done can help support such an important cause has been very rewarding.

“It’s been great to use the skills we’re learning on our course in a real way, whether that’s designing or producing items to sell, and knowing it’s making a difference. I’m proud to have been part of something that supports patients and staff, and it’s an experience I’ll definitely take forward with me.”

Gemma Shelly, Placement Officer at Newcastle College, also supported the fundraising initiative alongside her family, who run a Christmas grotto at Wood Farm, Greatgate, to raise money for charity.

Gemma said: “Working alongside Roger, we were very aware of the journey he has been on and the importance of the cause he was fundraising for. My family has run a Christmas grotto at Wood Farm for many years to support different charities, and this year it felt right to come together and support Roger and the work of UHNM Charity.

“Seeing the effort he put into his fundraising and understanding how much the care he has received means to him, really motivated us to get involved. It was important for us to support someone we know personally and a charity that makes such a vital difference to patients and their families.”

As part of his treatment, Roger took part in the Myeloma XI clinical trial. The trial allowed him to access the latest therapies for multiple myeloma, including a stem cell transplant and a personalised maintenance chemotherapy plan.

Roger said: “I also chose to take part in research trials because I wanted to contribute to improving treatments, not just for myself but for future patients. Being involved in research gave me hope and confidence that I was receiving the most up-to-date care while helping advance understanding of my condition.”

Roger added: “Presenting the cheque with family and the college is something I am very proud of. It is inspiring to see how collective effort can make a real difference, and I hope these funds will help improve the experience of patients and visitors in the future.”