Frank Owens' fundraiser for Sperrin Unit

Gary Owens of Franks Owens bar in Limavady presents a cheque for the Sperrin Unit to Sperrin Unit Sister Tara McIntyre and Sperrin Unit nurse Jennifer McLaughlin. Also pictured are Orla Owens and David McFarland, Frank Owens bar.

Frank Owens bar in Limavady handed over the proceeds from their Summer Ball to Altnagelvin’s Sperrin Unit on Friday.

The event raised close to £4,000.

Gary Owens of Frank Owens bar in Limavady said along with his wife Dawn, and Frank Owens’ barman Davy McFarland, choosing the Sperrin Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital was an easy decision.

“There are so many families in the area that are touched by cancer,” said Gary.

“I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t have someone that belongs to them that hasn’t been affected.”

Jennifer McLaughlin, a nurse in the Sperrin Unit, was delighted the Sperrin Room will benefit from the proceeds of the Ball.

Gary added: “We want to say ‘thank you’ to everyone for their generosity in supporting the event.”

The Sperrin Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital provides treatment to patients between Monday-Fridays.

It is a purpose-built chemotherapy unit with 21 treatment chairs, an inpatient ward with 14 beds, an outpatient facility with nine consulting rooms and facilities for rehabilitation specialist palliative care and support services.

Patients can be in treatment for six months with weekly to three weekly visits to the unit for chemotherapy, according to the Western Trust. The unit also provides a telephone triage service which is a 24-hour helpline for patients with chemotherapy/cancer complications this service is shared with the inpatient department to ensure 24-hour coverage