Publish date: 15 August 2023
The kindness and generosity of a former cancer patient at Tameside Hospital is helping others undergoing treatment at the Trust’s Macmillan Unit.
Margaret was inspired to help others after 
going through eight weeks of breast cancer treatment earlier this year.
She decided to make donations of heart-shaped pillows, seat belt support cushions and drain bags to support other patients both physically and emotionally.
Following feedback from nurses about the positive impact on patients, Margaret decided to continue and has brightened the day of patients with her creations.
The cushions are made to fit under patients’ arms to relieve discomfort during and after breast cancer treatment.
“Undergoing my own treatment made me more aware of what cancer patients go through and when I returned home after receiving the news I was cancer free, I decided I wanted to help others going through the same experiences as me,” Margaret said.
“You can feel in a dark place when going in for treatment, especially when you are unsure what the medical staff will tell you about your condition.
“It is also a small token of appreciation from me to the staff who looked after me, I am so grateful and thankful for the care I received.
“I really enjoy making them and I hope these are bringing some comfort and a smile to those who are going through an enormously difficult and uncertain time.”
Margaret’s cancer was diagnosed after attending her GP with suspected symptoms and her timely visit ensured the cancer was caught at an early stage.
Steph Gooder, Lead Macmillan Cancer Nurse at Tameside and Glossop NHS ICFT, said: “On behalf of the whole Unit, I would like to thank Margaret for her amazing contributions to those going through treatment.
“These small acts of thoughtfulness go a long way and it is inspiring to see how Margaret has turned her experience of breast cancer treatment into a positive by thinking of others.”
Get to know the symptoms of breast cancer via the NHS England website.