FIVE years ago, after several years of dialysis, Henry Hodge was given a kidney transplant, which dramatically improved his quality of life.
"I am so grateful," said Henry, "that I have always wanted to repay, in some small way, the staff at the transplant unit for their excellent care and kindness."
So at his 70th birthday party at the RAOB Club, Kilgetty, in August this year, Henry, a former bricklayer, asked his guests not to give him any presents, but to make a cash donation to a transplant fund he had set-up.
Last week at the Begelly Arms, about 20 of Henry's friends and relatives gathered to welcome transplant nurse specialist, Eiddwen Glyn and ward sister Justine Aggett from Ward B5 at the transplant unit, at the University of Wales College of Medicine, The Heath, Cardiff, who were on hand to receive a cheque for £500, which was presented to them by Mr. Hodge.
Also present was Peter Jones, and his colleagues, from PJ Promotions, who revealed that a raffle held at the recent Brendan Shine Concert in Narberth had raised over £100, and he was pleased that his fellow directors had decided to add this to Henry's donation. This was also presented to the nursing staff.
"We are very grateful to everyone for their generosity and especially to Henry for thinking about us," said Eiddwen. "We wish him well for many years to come."
Justine added that transplants were very expensive.
"Henry is, however, an excellent example of the benefits of the treatment," she said. "I would like to add my thanks and assure those who gave a donation that the money will be used on Ward B5 for the benefit of patients."