A 77-year-old woman who is being treated for cancer has signed up for this year’s Walk for Wards to say thank you and raise money for the Salisbury Hospital charity, the Stars Appeal, following her treatment.

Jean Chambers is one of nearly 1,500 participants who have signed up for this year’s Walk for Wards event and she will be completing the 10k route on 7 July 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 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 added: “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 funds 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. 

The Stars Appeal Walk for Wards. Picture: 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/ 

Jean Chambers