Charity cricket match raises over £1,000 for Respiratory Unit at the RD&E

A charity cricket match has raised over £1000 for the Respiratory Unit at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust after the department saved the life of one of the players.

Jim Lerigo, who plays in the annual charity event every year alongside his family, spent five weeks on Culm ward after being admitted last year. Doctors suspected that he may have been suffering from TB, however despite extensive testing, they were unable to find a definite diagnosis and Jim became seriously ill. After suffering from a loss of eyesight and nearly losing his life twice he was eventually discharged at the end of June 2017.

The money raised will be put towards the refurbishment of the Spirometry room, where patients are currently sent for various tests. The refurbishment will divide the room into two and allow for increased privacy for patients undergoing testing and provide more storage space for equipment.

Jim said: “Every year at our charity cricket match we raise money for various Cancer charities, however this year it was agreed by everyone that the money raised should be donated to the Respiratory Unit at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust. I have been looked after by two consultants during my time at the Trust and can’t say how good they have been. Everyone in the Respiratory unit was brilliant and looked after me so well that we wanted to give something back to say thank you.”

Chervonne Chamberlain, Respiratory Nurse Specialist Matron, said: “I am sure the whole Respiratory team would join me in saying a huge thank you to Jim and Lorna for their donation which will help kick start the renovation of the Spirometry room, ultimately providing a much better experience for our patients.”