Tony Gifford’s love for bridge and passion to pass on his skills to others inspired him to set up a bridge club in his local village of Crockham Hill. Despite his subsequent myeloma diagnosis Tony faithfully kept the club running throughout his illness. His commitment subsequently inspired members to raise £9,000 over the past two years to support the work of Myeloma UK.
Crockham Hill Bridge Club was established by Tony following his retirement from teaching in 1996. He set up the club to bridge the gap between learning the basics and playing in a club situation and ran teaching sessions for around 50 beginners and more experienced amateurs on a weekly basis.
Tony was diagnosed with myeloma a few weeks before his daughter’s wedding in 2004 but was determined that his illness should not prevent him from living as full a life as possible. He became a keen supporter of myeloma research, regularly donating to support the work of Myeloma UK and encouraged his bridge club to fundraise through charity bridge drives.
Tony passed away in March 2013 but friends at the club were determined to continue his legacy by keeping the club running. The committee agreed that all proceeds from their bridge nights should be donated to Myeloma UK in memory of Tony.
Tony’s widow, Wynne praises the excellent treatment he received at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, and later at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London as well as the support he received from Myeloma UK. “We all agreed that it was right that proceeds from the bridge club should be donated to Myeloma UK to help others affected by myeloma.”
Myeloma UK Community Fundraiser Ruth Harris praised the members’ efforts. She said, “We want to say a big thank you to the members of the Crockham Hill Bridge Club who have helped to raise £9,000 to support our work. These donations help fund our vital research into better treatment and care for myeloma patients. The members’ generosity is a touching tribute to their inspirational founder Tony Gifford.”
To discuss fundraising for Myeloma UK through your local community group, sports club, school or workplace please email fundraising@myeloma.org.uk or call 0131 557 3332.