Frank Donovan comes across as a very committed man and a complete people person. He was a much sought after computer programmer throughout his career.
Married for 62 years no less, 39 years ago, his mother in law developed a blood issue and endured many transfusions eventually passing aged 77.
This left an indelible mark on Frank.
Shortly after we began our conversation, Frank’s drive to help others became obvious.
He shared with me how it all began with the ‘Haemanthus Fund’ which he founded and chaired from day one in 1987. He was well supported by a friend and her husband (amongst many others) who lost their son aged just 17 to blood cancer. Of the many and varied fundraising events they held, a particular favourite was the 12 mile walk along the Wirral Way from Hooton to West Kirby.
In the same year, that very fund raised £112,000 which is equivalent to £250,000 today.
More recently, The Bloom Appeal was set up as a registered blood cancer charity in 2014. Research has shown that there are now more than 150 types of blood cancer.
I was curious to find out more having become familiar with the condition after Elaine Kinsella, co-owner of PR client Lunya received a diagnosis. She is currently in remission. Elaine joined the board of trustees recently to help drive the campaign alongside business and life partner Peter.
Nagesh Kalakonda, Professor of Experimental Haematology at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre wanted to further develop the contribution that Professor John Cawley had made whilst at the University of Liverpool back in 1987 when Frank founded the charity in its original form.
In 2014, Professor Kalakonda invited four people including Frank to the Living Room in Liverpool City Centre for a meeting and so The Bloom Appeal was born.
In that meeting was Elkan Abrahamson, director & head of major inquiries and family & children law advocate. Elkin is best known for his work representing many of the Hillsborough families. Judge John Morgan and David Matt were also present.
More recently, Merseyside Against Blood Cancer (MABC) events have included a highly acclaimed Ladies Lunch at Hope Street Hotel organised by Chair Abi Pointing DL and Jean Gadsby.
The charity celebrates 10 years in 2024 and Frank and the team of trustees are determined to elevate the profile of MABC and take it to new heights.
“We’re very much centred on the ethos of ‘raised locally, given locally’ maintains Frank.
“We’ve no CEO and all our trustees work really hard and purely on a voluntary basis too.”
Next up in the MABC calendar are two big events, namely The Bloom Appeal Ball in November https://thebloomappeal.org.uk/winter-in-bloom-festive-ball/ and before that, the Patient & Physician Conference on Saturday, September 7th with an opportunity to connect with patients and physicians alike https://thebloomappeal.org.uk/patient-physician-conference/
