#TeamHarding made a proud visit to Ward 10 at Withybush General Hospital recently to donate four Fire 7 tablet devices purchased by Luke to improve patient experiences on Ward 10.

Pride of Britain nominee and Hywel Dda Health Charities fundraiser Luke, 30, from Letterston, passed away on February 8, following an 18-month battle with stage 4 lung cancer. Following diagnosis, Luke spent the months ahead tirelessly fundraising for Ward 10, Withybush Hospital, by completing the Cardiff Half Marathon, walking the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and supporting various other fundraising events across the county in aid of #TeamHarding.

During his journey, Luke was recognised for his efforts and won 102.5 Radio Pembrokeshire Local Hero award and was nominated for an ITV Pride of Britain Award.

Luke’s positivity and determination was truly remarkable and he touched so many lives along the way. He raised awareness of early diagnosis and helped others that were also battling cancer. He originally set out hoping to raise £1,000, but in December 2017, Luke presented a cheque for £30,000 to Ward 10.

Luke’s main objective was to enhance patient experience and in December he purchased four Fire 7 tablets and engraved #TeamHarding #togetherstronger on each of them. Sadly, Luke was not able to officially present the tablets to the ward.

Luke’s family said: “As a family we are delighted to present Ward 10 with these tablets and finish off what Luke started. When Luke decided he wanted to present Ward 10 with the tablets his thinking was for other patients to be able to use them to watch movies, listen to music and contact family and friends. Luke understood that not all patients were as fortunate as him to have visitors on daily occasions. Basically so patients could have a level of normality in what as being a cancer patient can prove to be a very ‘unnormal’ world. The idea to have the #TeamHarding plaque added on the covers is so patients can learn of Luke’s journey and can benefit from his positive attitude and outlook.”

Kirsten Whatling, senior lung cancer clinical nurse specialist on behalf of the Hywel Dda University Health Board Lung Cancer team, said: “Throughout Luke’s battle he showed strength and determination, Luke did not let his diagnosis of lung cancer define him, in fact shared his experience to raise awareness and highlight that anyone could be diagnosed with lung cancer. He was an inspiring and generous young man whose personality shone through and made a lasting impression on everyone he met.

“Alongside Luke’s amazing fundraising efforts supported by the local community, it was Luke’s wish that the funds were used to benefit the patient experience during their individual hospital stay. He wanted to ensure people had some home comforts whilst being an inpatient and Luke specifically purchased these tablets to provide patients with access to the internet and a means of communicating with loved ones.”

#TeamHarding’s fundraising will not replace NHS funding, but will be used to support the work of the University Health Board to provide services and activities above and beyond what the NHS in Wales can provide. We are extremely grateful for everyone’s generosity.