16 December 2009
The campaign to raise money for a new cancer support room at St Helier Hospital was given a real boost this week, as a former patient donated more than £2,600 to the cause.
Ken Woodman, aged 71 from Coulsdon, discovered he had bowel cancer just ten weeks ago, and after undergoing successful treatment, decided he would raise money for the people who helped him through his difficult time.
Mr Woodman said: "Cancer is a nasty thing, and when you're diagnosed with it, you think it's the end of the world.
"But I've received some fantastic care, including two operations that have gone really well and I'm feeling on top of the world right now. I know that I've got a bit further to go before I'm completely fit and back out playing golf, but I'm through the worst and I owe a lot to the people who looked after me.
"For me and my wife Brenda, an important part of getting better was going to the Macmillan Butterfly Room in Epsom Hospital. Before my appointments we'd go to the Butterfly Room and just have a coffee and a chat. It's just so welcoming and warm - it's a great escape from the day-to-day realities of cancer.
"Everyone in that room either has cancer or is being affected by it, so you don't really have to mention it. You know that everyone there understands, so you can talk about other things - like last night's football.
"The nurses and staff there are fantastic too, and I really can't thank them enough."
Mr Woodman thought so much of the service at the Macmillan Butterfly Centre, that he began collecting money to help build a similar service at St Helier Hospital. He said: "It's a wonderful service, and something that I am sure many people would benefit from. I think it's a great idea to have something similar happening over at St Helier."
Mr Woodman, a keen golfer at Chipstead Golf Club, raised a staggering £2,690 for Operation Butterfly with additional money going to the Macmillan Butterfly Centre in Epsom Hospital.
He said: "I just knew I had to do something, so I went knocking on the neighbours' doors and round my golf club asking people to put their hands in their pockets, and they did. I would like to thank everyone who has given so generously to the cause."
