A cheque for more than £1k was presented to the Greenlea Unit at HRI as a thank-you for the care the team provided - including jelly and ice-cream.

The wife of Gary Binks, Karenne along with Managing Director of Staedtler UK Philip Wesolowski presented a cheque of £1004.41 which had been raised by Staedtler staff in memory of their much loved former colleague Gary. Gary very sadly passed away in February 2018 and had been cared for on the Greenlea Oncology Unit at HRI.

Gary worked for Staedtler UK for more than 30 years. The money was raised by the 24 members of staff in the UK Staedtler office. Staff took part in a range of fundraising activities, from dress down days, bake sales and even a Strictly Come Dancing Event, as both Gary and Karenne were very keen dancers.

Staff on the Unit remember both Gary and Karenne well and very fondly, and memories were shared about how they both used to, on the odd occasion take the opportunity to dance together in the Bluebell room.

Karenne shared stories about all the wonderful support both Gary and herself received and how staff on the unit are so supportive and compassionate in their roles.

Karenne also shared how Gary would often ask just for some jelly to eat while receiving treatment on the unit…….and perhaps at times icecream to go along with it.

Sister Bernie Beith,  on behalf of the team on the Unit, said: "We are so grateful for the generous and incredibly thoughtful gifts and money donated by Staedtler in the memory of Gary Binks who we looked after on the Greenlea Unit.

"The stationery gifts will be much appreciated by our patients and will make their dificult experience a little easier. The money will be used to improve the lives of our patients during their time on the unit. We really appreciate these donations and the time and effort taken to organise this. This indicates the high regard he must have been held in by his friends and work colleagues."