An Ipswich woman who watched her "world implode" when her parents and later herself were diagnosed with cancer has praised the invaluable service of the support team there every step of the way.
Claire Beeson said the team at East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust's (ESNEFT) cancer wellbeing and information centres provide "enormous positive impact" for patients and their families.
The 56-year-old received support after her mum and dad were diagnosed with cancer within the same month back in 2017.
The couple went through treatment but were rediagnosed with cancer two years later.
Mrs Beeson, who lives with her husband Warren in Ipswich, said: “That is the point at which I started to really wobble – but the team at the cancer centre were there for us all and gave me a tremendous amount of support. I was so blown away by their kindness.”
In 2020, Mrs Beeson was devastated when her mum died and said her death took its toll "both mentally and physically".
But more was still to be thrown at the family.
Mrs Beeson said: "Eight months later my dad’s cancer sadly returned for a third time and I was also diagnosed with breast cancer. I had major surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, all while trying to support the family and dad on his own cancer journey before we sadly said goodbye to him in late 2022.
“It was an incredibly traumatic time, but the staff at the centre were just amazing. It’s hard to describe what they gave me – they more than just looked after me. I cried many tears in there, but they listened, guided and supported me during both grief and treatment, and were often able to offer solutions or point in the right direction when things got tough. They picked the pieces up at a time when my world was imploding.”
Through the treatment centre, Mrs Beeson was able to attend exercise classes after treatment, online courses, Reiki, counselling and scar tissue therapy, which she said made a “life-changing” difference to how she both looked and felt.
Mrs Beeson finished her treatment in 2022 and praised the staff for their understanding.
The 56-year-old said: “It’s difficult to put into words unless you’ve been through it, but this friendly support makes such a difference – especially when you’re feeling so lonely and vulnerable.
“It has been a challenging journey which has completely changed me as a person, but having someone there who understands has really helped. I know if I needed to pick up the phone or pop in, the staff would either help, advise or point me in the right direction.
“But the support the centre offers needs to be funded, which is why this appeal is so important. They have such an enormous positive impact on both patients and their families and would really benefit from more people supporting them.”
The Colchester and Ipswich Hospital Charity has launched an appeal to ensure vital funds go towards the "invaluable" work that helped Claire and others at both hospitals.
The centres at Colchester and Ipswich hospitals also host support groups as well as offering a space for people to sit, talk or listen, regardless of what stage they are at on their cancer journey.
Mandy Jordan, associate director of charities and voluntary services with ESNEFT, said: “Our friendly and welcoming Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centres offer a tranquil and relaxing environment where people can enjoy invaluable space and support. They provide a huge range of services – but rely on the kindness of our supporters to be able to carry on their amazing work.
“This appeal aims to help us raise all-important funds so that even more people who are living with cancer can get the help, support and advice they need at the time they need it the most.”
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