July 24, 2024
Mum’s thanks to cancer centre team rings out loud and clear
A mum’s thanks for the way the “amazing” staff at Swansea’s cancer centre have cared for her will ring out loud and clear for many years to come.
Jo Gwinnett was diagnosed with stage three invasive lobular breast cancer in June 2023. She underwent surgery followed by a five-month course of chemotherapy at the South West Wales Cancer Centre.
To show her gratitude to staff she arranged for a special bell to be delivered to the Chemotherapy Day Unit (CDU) within the Singleton Hospital centre.
Many cancer hospitals have bells for people to ring when they reach the end of their treatment. But Jo from Waunarlwydd, whose own treatment is far from over, provided something a little bit different.
Called the Milestone Bell, it is for any patient to ring whenever they feel they have reached an important moment for them.
She rang it when she finally finished her chemo, an emotional moment for her, her family, friends and staff who were all present to see it.
“I know I’m not out of the woods yet but it’s an important milestone to mark and I will move on with positivity and hope,” she said.
Jo contacted End of Treatment Bells, a charity she found on Facebook. It supplied the bell, along with a plaque featuring an inspirational poem, which now has pride of place within the unit.
Jo, who donated to the charity in return, is facing further treatment including radiotherapy, therapy drugs, and six-monthly infusions.
A big hug for patient Jo Gwinnett from Chemotherapy Day Unit sister Allison Church, watched by health care support worker Carolyne Paddison
Jo Gwinnett with the Milestone Bell