1 week Ago By [email protected] (Lewis Clarke)
A woman from Winterslow undergoing treatment for breast cancer will take on a 10k walk to show her gratitude to the hospital charity she says has supported her every step of the way. Marie Gower, who was diagnosed in September 2024, will join her husband Trevor at the Stars Appeal’s Walk for Wards on Sunday, July 6, at Wilton House. The event raises money for the Salisbury Hospital charity, which has played a central role in Marie’s care on the Pembroke Cancer Unit.
The Stars Appeal supports thousands of cancer patients through funding for cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment equipment. It also provides a range of extras aimed at making hospital stays more comfortable, including free hot and cold drinks, snacks during chemotherapy, and an in-house aromatherapist. Marie, 44, described her first chemotherapy treatment as overwhelming.
She said: “At my first chemotherapy treatment I was terrified, and my emotions were very much raised. The whole of the Pembroke Suite staff were amazing and kind, but I still couldn't stop crying. It was towards the end of my first treatment that I met the wonderful Stars Appeal Aromatherapist.
The aromatherapy really made me feel pampered and me again at a time when I really was feeling anything but me.” She added: “The Stars Appeal really has made the most amazing difference not just to me, but also my husband as we have gone through my cancer treatment. The Stars Appeal provide funding within the Pembroke Suite which has helped me in so many ways from the aromatherapy to the hot drinks and snacks whilst undergoing treatment each week, which are fantastic.
” The charity also helps provide free headwear and private swimming sessions in the hospital’s pool for patients, and funds wellness programmes including prehabilitation, which offers individual support before surgery or treatment. Enhancements to furnishings and the maintenance of Salisbury’s first dedicated Breast Unit are also made possible through the charity. Marie said the support from the Stars Appeal during one of the hardest times in her life inspired her to take part in the walk.
“The work the Stars Appeal funds is phenomenal so anything we can do to raise awareness and funds to help others feel an extra arm of support and benefit as I have at such an awful time is an absolute privilege,” she said. She added that while this would be the couple’s first time doing Walk for Wards, it would not be the last. “My husband has been with me every step of this journey and more – the emotional and day-to-day support, helping me come to terms with my diagnosis, each scan, the tears, the hair loss, exhaustion and simply driving me to and from all my appointments.
To be able to do the walk together and make a difference and give something back is the icing on the cake.” The Stars Appeal’s Walk for Wards marks its 20th anniversary this year. Participants can choose from 3k, 5k, 10k or a new 15k route.
Registration is free at ..
