A DYSERTH musician and his wife took a day out of their hectic schedule to meet with healthcare staff across the region.
Mike Peters and Jules visited four hospital sites, including Llandudno, Glan Clwyd, Ysbyty Gwynedd and Wrexham, to deliver 'Heroes to the Heroes'. This involved showing appreciation to all NHS staff and to those, who had once again, worked hard to save Mike’s life and giving chocolates.
Health campaigner Mike, known for his uplifting rock music as well as his support for cancer services in the area, was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in 2005. This is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells and tends to progress slowly over many years.
Earlier in 2022, following an acclaimed national tour with his band, The Alarm, Mike relapsed. He stopped responding to his medication and had to undergo a new gruelling treatment plan.
Jules said: “Over the past nine months, I’ve literally watched the team in Ysbyty Gwynedd and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd rebuild Mike. He was so ill in May 2022. It’s been incredible to watch how the doctors, nurses and support staff have tried different treatments and kept Mike feeling positive through what has been an immensely challenging time.
“2022 has had its highs as well as its lows. I trekked across the Sahara with 50 others to raise over £100,000 for our Love Hope Strength Foundations in the UK and the USA, and a percentage of the money raised will benefit our cancer services here in North Wales in 2023. We used this as an opportunity to find out more about how the money from Love Hope Strength will help enhance patient care and treatment.
“We both felt tearful as we went to Llandudno Hospital, Wrexham Maelor and others to give the staff boxes of Heroes because without the care and treatment Mike has received, who knows where we would be," Jules added.
"Giving chocolates in this way was a small gesture, but we really do feel these people are heroes, and they deserved to be acknowledged.”
The Alarm will be playing in Llandudno at the Arena, Venue Cymru, for the first time in almost a year at the end of January 2023.
Mike plans to put on "one hell of a show" after spending so much time in hospital over recent months.
In hospital, Mike has written new music and rediscovered old tracks from his impressive 40 year career in the music industry.
Mike said: "Jules and I are planning to help support our heroes further.
“We’re already planning more treks to raise money for our cancer services, and to help support others affected by cancer. In June 2023 we have Snowdon Rocks and then in September we are going to Rock the Alps.
"Like our heroes in our hospitals, we don’t plan to stop until there is nothing else we can do to help families living with a cancer diagnosis.”
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