Stars Appeal: Woman diagnosed with cancer to do Walk for Wards

Nearly 1,500 participants have signed up to Walk for Wards to support the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.

Jean Chambers is one of the walkers who will be doing the 10k route on Sunday, July 7, at Wilton House.

The 77-year-old is completing the walk in aid of the Hospital’s Pembroke Cancer Unit, who have supported her through her cancer treatment after she 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.”

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Jean Chambers is preparing to walk 10k next month (Image: Jean Chambers)

Jean is currently having chemotherapy which means she has to spend a considerable time at the Hospital. 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, make Jean more comfortable during 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.”

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Thousands have signed up for Walk For Wards this year (Image: Simon Ward)Jean continued: “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."

“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 – a 3k, 5k and 10k. To find out more visit www.starsappeal.org/event/walk-for-wards/