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Thursday 24 November 2022

Sometimes things happen in life that make you stop in your tracks, but for two brothers, Terry O’Neil and John Mackin they did quite the opposite. Along with colleagues Mark Taylor and Dave Lewis from Worcestershire based heating specialists, Ignis Group, the foursome undertook the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge, trekking up the three highest peaks in the UK. In doing so they raised over £10,000 for children undergoing cancer treatment at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

The work of Children of Worcestershire Cancer Fund is very close to the hearts of the Ignis Directors Terry and John following Terry’s daughter, Darcie, being admitted to Worcestershire Royal Hospital in 2021 with pain around her collarbone and early investigation indicating that she might have bone cancer. Terry said: “This was devastating news but the professionalism and level of care shown to Darcie and my family by the Oncology Nurses and Doctors was amazing. They gave us the upmost support and comfort and explained how in the coming months the charity could best support us if needed.  Fortunately for us, after further clinical investigations, it was shown that Darcie had a rare condition called Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO), it was not bone cancer.

“As you can imagine, the news was the best we could have ever wished for, although Darcie still has a condition she has to live with. We consider ourselves fortunate, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the families and children that were not so lucky. I wanted to give something back and support this amazing charity.”

Last week, 15^th November, the team were welcomed onto the Children’s Clinic where they met with Dawn Forbes, Children & Young People Oncology Nurse Specialist, and three smiling children with their families to hand over the presentation cheque. Zachary (left), Alex (centre), and Josh (right), three brave little patients receiving treatment for cancer at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, were on hand to thank the guys for their incredible efforts.

Dawn said: “We’re extremely grateful to team Ignis. These funds will be a great help in supporting poorly children and their families in a variety of different ways; We’ll be able to purchase practical items such as wheelchairs or pushchairs. This helps the children who are undergoing chemotherapy to move around at home and hospital, and also to join in with activities with their friends and enjoy days out with their families.

“As well as much needed practical support, the fund provides treasured special memories for the children and their families. We organise fun events such as Easter Egg hunts, summer picnics, Halloween parties, and we’re very much looking forward to our Santa’s Grotto this year. We offer tickets for the annual pantomime at the Swan Theatre in Worcester each year to all patients and their immediate families. Smaller things like our Bravery Box being fully stocked so that children can choose a gift after having treatment, and bespoke cakes to celebrate end of treatment are equally important.   All of these things really do help make a difficult journey for the children and their families just a little bit easier.”

If you’d like more information on supporting the fund or the charity, please visit

https://wahcharity.org/childrens-cancer-fund or email info@wahcharity.org

Photo Attached: Terry O’Neil and Team Ignis presenting their cheque to Zachary (left), Alex (centre), and Josh (right), and Dawn Forbes, Children & Young People Oncology Nurse Specialist.