Rybalsky Fishing Club

Ian Madylus, 66, underwent mitral valve surgery, spending 15 days on Ward B8 in the Heart and Lung Centre at New Cross Hospital, while his wife Jary, 65, has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy for bowel cancer for two and a half years on Georgina Ward at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley.

Ian is one of 20 members of Rybalsky Fishing Club and they raised £375 each for B8 and Georgina Ward, from a raffle and an auction of a gallon bottle of whisky at the club’s Christmas meal.

Formed 11 years ago, the club is made up a lot of retired Birmingham City Council workers from the Second City, Tamworth, Droitwich and Redditch.

Ian, who was born in the UK to Ukrainian parents, was asked by members to produce its name, which is the closest word in Ukrainian to fishing.

He was proud to make the donation, adding: “The staff gave us such a warm welcome when we came in – it was very heartfelt and they seemed genuinely touched by our donation.”

“It made our day. Both hospitals remain in our hearts and we often speak of them.”