Great grandfather supports ground-breaking cancer research at UHNM

A great grandfather from Biddulph Moor has donated £1,000 to UHNM Charity to support pioneering cancer research being carried out by the Research and Innovation (R&I) team at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM).

Roy Bowyer, 78, was diagnosed with myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects the bones and bone marrow, in 2024, and underwent a course of chemotherapy at the Royal Stoke University Hospital’s Cancer Centre where he says he received “absolutely magic” care.

Inspired by his treatment, Roy made the generous donation from his own money to support the UHNM’s R&I team who are leading efforts to bring new treatments and clinical trials to patients in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

Roy, who has also previously had a kidney removed due to cancer, said: “I had a pain in my neck, across my shoulders and down my spine for around three months which felt like my kidney cancer. The GP arranged for a blood sample to be sent to UHNM, and an MRI scan confirmed I had myeloma.

“I was referred to Professor Kam, consultant haematologist and director of research and innovation, who along with the colleagues from the Royal Stoke’s Cancer Centre have provided absolutely magical care. I feel I’m in such safe hands, and they’re all fantastic people, right from the receptionists to the nurses and doctors. Nothing is too much trouble and they’re there to help any time.

"My hope is that this donation will bring us closer to finding a cure for myeloma. What matters most is knowing that others will benefit from the research it supports. I’ve benefitted first-hand from some of the wonderful treatments made possible thanks to NHS research yet the people in R&I pushing boundaries and saving lives often go unrecognised. I see people receiving honours on television, but it’s teams like UHNM’s who truly deserve the spotlight, not me.”

Professor Karunanithi said: "We are deeply grateful to Roy for his generosity. His donation will directly support pioneering research that gives hope to people with myeloma and other cancers, not just here at UHNM but across the wider community. It is thanks to individuals like Roy, who turn their own experiences into action, that we can run ground-breaking trials, test innovative treatments and bring cutting-edge science to the patients who need it most. UHNM is very well supported by NIHR Regional Research delivery Network and NIHR Commercial research delivery centre to conduct research.”

Roy is continuing to take chemotherapy tablets and attends monitoring scans.

He said: “Life’s all right. My grandchildren and great grandchildren bring me joy and laughter, but I can’t do the things I used to with them, nor can I enjoy my gardening as much. My hip bone has gone soft, and sometimes I have difficulty walking and also suffer from pain at the bottom of my ribs.

"The teams at UHNM are unsung heroes. Most people don’t know who they are until they need them. I can’t put into words how grateful I am for what they’ve done for me. The donation is small compared to the thanks they truly deserve.

“If you’re ever given the opportunity to take part in research, I’d really urge you to do it. The treatments I’ve received are only possible because others before me agreed to get involved, and you’re not only helping yourself but also giving hope to future patients and their families.”