Cancer survivor Dan Evans donates £7,000 to transform hospital roof garden

A year after being told there was "no hope," 19-year-old Dan Evans has not only defied the odds but is now giving back to the hospital that played a vital role in his recovery. At the start of this year, Dan rang the bell to signify the end of his treatment at Nottingham City Hospital’s Teenage Cancer Trust unit, a moment he and his family once thought might never come.

Dan and his family have donated £7,000 to Nottingham Hospitals Charity to support the redevelopment of the Hogarth Ward and Gervis Pearson roof garden at Nottingham City Hospital. The donation comes from the GoFundMe page initially set up to fund Dan’s treatment when the NHS had exhausted its available options. In the end, a groundbreaking clinical trial gave him a second chance at life, and now he is using the funds raised to help others.

During his cancer journey, which included months of treatment at Nottingham City Hospital’s Teenage Cancer Trust unit, Dan found solace in the roof garden, where fresh air and sunlight provided moments of peace and normality, making a huge difference to his time in hospital.

“I wanted to donate to the roof garden project as it is so important to be able to go outside and get some fresh air whilst receiving treatment,” said Dan. “You spend long periods of time inside, and to be able to go and sit in the sunshine made such a difference to me, so I really wanted to help make this space special, to help others who are going through treatment themselves.”

Dan’s generous donation will contribute to vital enhancements in the garden, creating a more serene and welcoming space for cancer patients undergoing treatment. These improvements will include comfortable seating areas for relaxation, a diverse selection of vibrant plants and thoughtfully designed planters. His support ensures that the garden remains a peaceful sanctuary, offering comfort and respite to those who need it most.

Nottingham Hospitals Charity Director of Fundraising and Communications, Sam Cousens, said: “Dan’s story is one of incredible courage, and we are honoured that he has chosen to support the redevelopment of the roof garden. His generous donation will help create a space where cancer patients and their friends and family can take a break from the clinical environment, enjoy fresh air, and find moments of peace. We are incredibly grateful to Dan and his family, and their kindness will make a lasting impact on patients who need a place to find comfort during their treatment.”

Now in remission, Dan is focused on his future, preparing to study geography at the University of Lincoln in September. But his journey has given him a fresh perspective on life and a determination to help others facing similar challenges.

“I want to go travelling – just be free,” he said. “Life can change in an instant. You’ve got to take everything as it comes and make time for the small things. You don't realise that life - and time - is a privilege.”

The redevelopment of the roof garden, a space shared between Hogarth Ward and the Gervis Pearson Ward will create a vital sanctuary for patients undergoing cancer treatment. We are proud to work alongside many dedicated supporters of our oncology fund, who are hosting events and fundraising to help fund these important improvements and you could get involved too.

When you donate to Nottingham Hospitals Charity, you can choose which area of Nottingham’s NHS hospitals you’d like your funds to go to! If you’d like to get involved we have lots of fun ways to raise money including our annual Big QMC Abseil, Dragon Boat Race, Skydive and Golf Day or you could join our growing team of runners at this years Robin Hood Half Marathon!

Our fundraising team are here to help, so whether you want to discuss a fundraising idea, sign up for an event or are after some top tips to maximise your fundraising, we’re here to help.