North Devon locations featured in charity calendar

A new charity calendar has been launched by the Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) featuring North Devon locations chosen by blood cancer patients.

Each month highlights a place that holds special meaning for those supported by the charity.

Mark Dimelow, a 60-year-old fish and chip shop owner from Landkey, selected Exeter Quayside for June.

For Mark, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in February, the Quayside became a place of comfort during his treatment at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E). 

When he was well enough, he and his wife, Debbie, would take walks along the Quayside to escape the confines of the hospital.

“They are lovely rooms at hospital, and are made very homely thanks to funding by ELF, but I struggled because I felt confined and isolated,” said Mark.

“So when they said we could go out for walks, one of the nurses suggested Exeter Quayside and it was just lovely. There are walks, cafes, great ice cream shops and it was nice to see people, and it was a moment to feel normal. It made me forget for a few moments that I was ill.”

Mark, along with his wife Debbie, has found ELF’s support invaluable throughout his treatment, including help with transport, legal advice, and the ELF-funded Chevithorne hospital suite, which provided a private space for Mark’s family on his 60th birthday.

Lucy Sellers, 52, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in 2007, chose Appledore for April’s calendar page.

Lucy, who lives in Exeter, has fond memories of time spent by the sea in the area, where she has walked on the beach and enjoyed family outings.

“I love being by the sea. I’ve spent time on that beach and in Appledore with friends and family before, during and since my treatment and that’s also what makes it a special place,” said Lucy.

“Lots of significant things have happened there; I have rowed up that estuary, had dog walks on the beach and Martyn and I had our first date at Instow boathouse.”

Molly Southwood, CEO of ELF, said: “We’re delighted to launch our calendar, which really highlights that we don’t just operate in Exeter, but that we’re here to support blood cancer patients across the county, from Buckfastleigh to Barnstaple. It’s wonderful that we have been able to showcase so much of our wonderful county, particularly as we grow our service offering in North Devon.”

Thanks to sponsorship from 12 local businesses, all proceeds from the calendar will go towards ELF’s work, including free transport, counselling, and financial and legal advice for patients. 

Copies are available for £10 plus postage and can be ordered via ELF’s website at www.elfcharity.org.uk/events/2025-charity-calendar