A LIVER patient from Stourport has celebrated the fourth anniversary of her lifesaving operation by baking her 200th batch of cupcakes to raise money for a Birmingham hospital.

Since recovering from surgery, in June, 2009, to remove a five pound growth from her liver, Bethan Bishop, 40, has dedicated her spare time to fund-raising for the liver unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital by selling cakes.

She has iced more than 5,000 treats and raised £7,000 for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity. Her sister Elena has brought the total up to £13,000 by joining in the fund-raising.

Mrs Bishop, head of research and innovation at Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, said: “From my research background, I appreciate the importance of raising money for research, equipment and facilities the NHS is not able to fund. I was keen for the money to be used to leverage more funding.”

The mother of one went to the doctor in April, 2009 with flu symptoms but was referred to the Queen Elizabeth after a 15cm growth was discovered on her liver. The size of it was affecting organs and causing severe health problems, including sickness.

“My surgeon said it was like delivering a baby,” added Mrs Bishop. “They had never seen one that size before.”

She decided to start raising money for the hospital as a way of thanking staff for their “dedicated care” and also paid tribute to other patients she had met on the ward, describing it as a “very sobering” experience.

“The junior nurses were amazing,” she said. “They were truly on a vocation and the care I received was fantastic.”

Since baking a batch for a friend’s birthday, Mrs Bishop’s making of charity cupcakes has grown to include wedding, children’s birthday and christening cakes.

“I find it very relaxing and I like the chance to be creative and challenge myself,” she said.

For more information about her fund-raising, visit justgiving.com/bethan-bishop

Editor's note: Since the time of writing Mrs Bishop has formally changed her name by deed poll to Miss Bethan Miles.