Hexham man gives blood every month in memory of late wife

Nov 12 2009 by Joanne Butcher, The Journal

A WIDOWER who watched his wife battle with leukaemia is encouraging people to help save other lives.

Huw Mainwaring, 56, has been donating blood every month for the last three years in memory of his beloved wife, Annie.

Annie, a happy and loving 52-year-old, and a mother to Gareth and Rhian, had just begun a new job as a classroom assistant when she was diagnosed with the condition in March 2006.

By August that year, the devastating cancer of the blood and bones had claimed her life.

The loss was a huge blow for Huw, who had been married to Annie for 28 years, and his family. “I miss Annie greatly, and I am not the only one,” said the widower. “She told me, when she was ill, that she wanted us to get on with our lives. But it is hard sometimes.”

Now, Huw is determined to help others who are battling against the disease. Although blood donations and transfusions sadly couldn’t save Annie, Huw says he has seen how important they are for cancer treatment.

And the graphic designer, from Hexham, is appealing to North East people to sign up to the blood donor register.

“I have seen at first-hand what giving blood can do,” he said. “Dr Graham Jackson and his team at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary were an inspiration in all they did to look after Annie, and by us donating blood we can help them continue their wonderful work .

“I donated blood many years ago when I was a student, but over the years I had got out of the habit, like many people.

“Now, in my wife’s memory, it is the very least I can do.”