Around 200 cancer patients and 100 carers were entertained and pampered at a special event held by a hospital trust.
The annual Cancer Wellbeing event, organised by Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, was hailed a huge success after more than 100 beauty and therapy experts as well as entertainers, volunteered their services.
The Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Ahmadul Haque welcomed everyone to the fair, which was held on Saturday, and included a range of different treatments including massages, nail art, henna tattoos, and entertainment from a 1940s singer.
Staff from the Trust also gave up their time to offer advice and care to patients. Mum-of-three Sue Bennett, 67, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013 and went along to the fair, said she was overwhelmed by the day.
“It really touches me to think there are so many people out there who care and want to help us patients,” said Sue, from West Bromwich.
“I took part in a floristry session and made a beautiful arrangement. I watched the singing and dancing and it was all fabulous. For me it is such an uplifting event and I always get so emotional when I first walk into the room.
“I remember the first time I went, I spoke with so many women who had ovarian cancer and they gave me hope and the belief that I could fight the disease. It’s an important day and it has definitely helped me over the years. The staff who go along from the Trust are truly dedicated.”
Cancer services manager Jenny Donovan explained: “This fair is a very special day for our cancer patients who attend, and it’s only made possible because of the help we receive from volunteers – both those who work at the Trust and others from outside organisations. We couldn’t have run this event without their help.
“Patients enjoyed a range of different therapies and they seemed to really enjoy the day. It is overwhelming for them, and many come along with their carers. It’s a real chance for patients to relax and be pampered.”
Councillor Haque added: “I was very impressed with the whole concept of this well-being event and I was amazed how so many sick people and their families were given a real boost at a difficult time in their life.
“I was very pleased to have been able to visit and it was very heart-warming to see so many volunteers turning up to give their time and skills to give the cancer patients a very special day .”
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