Adrian Chiles appointed patron of Birmingham charity Cure Leukaemia

BIRMINGHAM-born broadcaster Adrian Chiles has been appointed as a patron for city-based blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia.

The devoted West Bromwich Albion fan, who recently presented ITV’s coverage of the World Cup in Brazil, is a long-standing supporter of Cure Leukaemia.

Chiles has a personal connection with the charity after his friend and fellow Baggie Stephen Hayden sadly lost his battle with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in 2006.

He was just 26 years old.

Stephen was treated by Cure Leukaemia’s co-founder Professor Charlie Craddock and Chiles was keen to offer his support to the charity.

He said: “I used to sit with Stephen and his family at the Hawthorns and was deeply shocked when he was diagnosed with this terrible disease.

“To lose Stephen at such a young age was truly tragic and his passing left a lasting impression on me.

“I have seen first hand the tremendous work Professor Craddock and his team are doing to help people in the same situation as Stephen find a way to beat leukaemia and I am deeply honoured to become a patron of this great Midlands charity.”

Professor Craddock said: “We are immensely grateful to Adrian for the backing he has shown and the inspiration he has given to the charity in the past few years.

“His advice, encouragement and support have been invaluable and to many patients his support has been inspirational.

“We are thrilled to have such a well-known and highly respected public figure supporting the work of Cure Leukaemia and on behalf of everyone associated with the charity welcome him wholeheartedly as a patron.”