Nearly 1,500 participants have signed up to Walk for Wards to support the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, and there’s still time to register for free.
Jean Chambers is among the walkers who have already registered and will do the 10k route on Sunday, July 7th, at Wilton House in aid of the Hospital’s Pembroke Cancer Unit, which has supported her through her cancer treatment.
The 77-year-old was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer last January. She said: “Receiving my cancer diagnosis floored me for a while. I’d never heard of lymphatic cancer; it was all new to me. It was very hard as I’ve lost quite a lot of my family to cancer.”
Jean is currently having chemotherapy. The treatment means she has to spend a considerable time at the Hospital but she says Stars Appeal projects like the aromatherapy sessions and free snacks and refreshments are “such a relief” and help the time to go by quicker. The reclining chairs, also funded by the charity, enable Jean to be more comfortable when having her treatment. All these extras, she says, provide those “little home comforts”.
She adds: “It was a very pleasant surprise to have the aromatherapy. I thought I’d give it a go and it did make me feel so relaxed. It helps calm you down.”
The Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, fund other projects supporting patients with cancer, including free headwear, dedicated swimming sessions in the Hospital’s pool and other wellbeing programmes. The charity also provides enhancements to the Pembroke Unit’s furnishings and décor, as well as advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment.
“Having cancer treatment makes you realise how many people are going through it too. I want to raise money so other people can have the same support as I have had. I want to help make sure the Pembroke Unit can continue giving aromatherapy, providing headwear, and snacks and refreshments to support people with cancer,” continues Jean.
“I want to say thank you for everything they’ve done for me in Haematology and on the Pembroke Suite. The staff are so welcoming and are never too busy to answer my questions. You feel someone is there to hold your hand every step of the way. I felt this was a nicer way of thanking the Pembroke Suite which will help other people. Long may the Stars Appeal continue what it’s doing and making patients feel more comfortable during a very stressful time in their lives.”
It is free to register for Walk for Wards, and participants can raise money for a ward or department that is special to them. There are three routes to choose from – 3k, 5k and 10k. To find out more, visit www.starsappeal.org/event/walk-for-wards/
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