KIVELLS are delighted to announce that Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) has been chosen as their charity of the year for 2017, after a member from the Holsworthy office passed away from leukaemia.

To kick start the fundraising, Kivells offices will be donating £10 to ELF for every new instruction received in February.

Kivells made the decision to support ELF after a member of the Holsworthy team was diagnosed and treated for leukaemia, and unfortunately passed away as a result of the illness.

Niki Gilbert, residential lettings manager at Holsworthy, said: “Debbie worked at the Holsworthy office since she was 16, and was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2010. ELF kept Debbie going; they supplied games, TV, iPad, books, and when the time came, wigs and bandanas.

“They made a real difference — her room was like a home from home for her and her little girl, who even celebrated her sixth birthday on the ward. Debbie is the reason we want to support ELF; she would be happy that we are still thinking of her.”

ELF supports families affected by blood cancers and blood disorders across the South West, providing compassionate, tailored support in the Yarty ward at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E).

ELF lightens the load for the patients and their families by providing a community support programme, offering a transport service, accommodation near the hospital for patients and loved ones, and a sign posting advice and guidance service.

Within the RD&E, ELF provides funding for haematology staff and medical research. ELF cares for anyone aged 16 years and over, who receive treatment at the haematology centre at the RD&E hospital.

The charity’s support also extends to patients of the North Devon District Hospital, who require outpatient or inpatient care in Exeter.

On average, five people a week in Exeter and the surrounding area are diagnosed with a blood cancer or blood disorder.

A diagnosis is life changing for the patients and their family. Around 400 patients each week from all over Devon are treated at the Yarty ward at the RD&E.

After raising over £2,000 in 2016 for the previously chosen charity of the year, Kivells are excited to get underway with fundraising ideas for ELF.

For more information on Kivells’ fundraising and how to get involved, keep an eye on the Kivells website.