Hello, my name is Chris, and I’m reaching out to ask if you would consider making a gift to help patients like me. I’ve recently found myself in the unexpected position of needing specialised medical care, and I’m asking for your support to help bring a state-of-the art piece of equipment to Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI).

This equipment is known as an enteroscope, and would allow doctors to diagnose and treat the unknown condition I have developed within my small bowel. It would make a world of difference to patients like me, by reducing unhelpful delays and the need for a long, stressful 70-mile journey to another hospital.

My wife Jacqui and I enjoy living in Leicestershire where I’ve spent most of my career helping others through my work in the NHS. Now, I find myself on the other side, needing the same care I dedicated my professional career to.

I’m now semi-retired, and I’m writing to you today not just as someone with first-hand experience of the pressures and needs of our hospitals, but as a patient in need.

By giving a gift of £60, or whatever amount you are able to afford, you will help to bring specialised care closer to home for patients like me.

Back in January 2024 I experienced a sudden, unexplained health issue. I found dark blood in my stools (melena) alongside a critical drop in my blood count. I was admitted to hospital and discharged after a two-night stay and some tests. But in February, things took a turn for the worse…

This time it was different. I collapsed at home following further episodes of melena and vomiting of blood.

As you can imagine, I was terrified, and so was Jacqui. She called for an ambulance, and I was rushed into hospital. This led to a series of hospital investigations, including three CT scans, three gastroscopies, an MRI and a camera endoscopy. But despite the wonderful efforts by staff at Leicester Royal Infirmary, we still haven’t been able to pinpoint the exact cause of my symptoms.

In early September, after months of uncertainty, it was decided that I needed an enteroscopy. With this specialised procedure, doctors can access the deeper regions of my small bowel using an enteroscope. Then, they can accurately pinpoint the problem area and perform a biopsy. They can then further investigate my condition and help to provide the diagnosis and treatment plan that I’m in desperate need of.

The only problem? Because this is a highly specialised piece of equipment, it is not yet available in Leicester or even the wider Midlands area. Conditions like mine are considered to be fairly uncommon, so it’s not unusual for NHS Trusts across the country to pull together to share medical devices like an enteroscope.

Because of this, I must currently travel over 70 miles to Sheffield for the procedure.

Patients like me could be dealing with conditions as serious as small bowel cancer. This makes early diagnosis using an enteroscope all the more important.

The journey to Sheffield is not just about the distance—it involves coordinating time off work, arranging accommodation, and managing the stress of travel – all whilst dealing with a medical condition that remains unresolved. I feel lucky to have my wife Jacqui by my side. I can’t even begin to imagine how much harder this must be for the people who don’t have that support.

Hearing how patients in Leicester are being impacted, Brown Dog Cancer Charity have stepped in to help too. They understand how crucial early diagnosis is, especially for those facing serious conditions like small bowel cancer. They have already raised over £33,000 of the £66,000 needed to purchase the enteroscope. Now, your help is urgently needed to fund the rest.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to go into the new year knowing that you’ve helped bring care closer to home?

Your gift today could help fund an enteroscope sooner rather than later, meaning future patients wouldn’t have to travel long distances for diagnosis and treatment. It would make the process far more efficient, less stressful, and more accessible for local people in Leicester, Leicestershire and the wider Midlands.

By giving a gift of £60, the Leicester Royal Infirmary could provide the care patients like me need, right here in our home city.

Please consider giving a gift to make a difference for those who find themselves in a similar situation as myself. Together, we can help bring care closer to home.

Thank you for your kindness and support.

Sincerely,

P.S. We are truly grateful for the support you continue to give to patients and staff at Leicester’s Hospitals. I really hope you will consider making a gift of £60 or whatever you can afford this festive season, to help bring this specialised equipment to Leicester Royal Infirmary. Thank you.