The family of the late Ann Kirby have donated £1,000 to George Eliot Hospital Charity in her memory, supporting cancer patients cared for on the Dorothea unit.
Ann was 82 when she was diagnosed with myeloma, a blood cancer, and received treatment at George Eliot Hospital for five years before sadly passing away in September 2025. During that time, the Dorothea unit became a place of familiarity, comfort and kindness for Ann and her family.
Rachael Cranley, along with her brother Simon, and sister Sarah, said:
“Our mum often looked forward to going for treatment, which might sound a little unexpected! The first-time mum ever went for treatment, she said she couldn’t understand why she heard so much laughter coming from the ward. Mum really benefitted from the humour and warmth from the staff on Dorothea, alongside the exceptional care and compassion shown by the whole team.”
Ann was a keen writer and left behind a poem titled The Cherry Tree, which has been beautifully framed and is now displayed on the unit for patients, visitors and staff to read and remember her by.
The donation will be the first to support George Eliot Hospital Charity’s 30 for 30 campaign in aid of the hospitals very special Dorothea unit. The Dorothea unit is an oncology and haematology day unit being used every week by hundreds of local people. The aim of the campaign is to raise £30,000 to replace the specialist reclining chairs that patients use when receiving chemotherapy and blood-related treatment.
Speaking with Maria Holmes-Keeling, Fundraising Coordinator at George Eliot Hospital Charity, the family shared how proud Ann would be to support such a meaningful cause and also be the first to contribute to this 30th birthday campaign. “Mum would be honoured to know she is helping improve care in a place that meant so much to her.”
George Eliot Hospital Charity would like to thank Rachael and her family for their generosity and for choosing to remember Ann in such a thoughtful and lasting way.
To support George Eliot Hospital Charity’s 30th anniversary campaign, please get in touch:
Tel 02476 153476
Email [email protected]