Hitchin’s wonderful Wendy woos winning Macmillan cancer staff with a star

A nurse who has been discharged from cancer treatment was so pleased with the help and support she received from hospital staff during her courageous battle she dedicated a star to them.

Wendy Ward from Redhill Road, Hitchin, who received the good news from her oncologist at the Lister Hospital, Stevenage on Monday said: “Somebody bought me a star when I was poorly and I thought it was a really nice idea. So I decided to name a star: ‘Thank You’ in dedication to all the staff at the Lister Macmillan Cancer Centre as a gesture of my appreciation.

“Being a nurse myself you do get given a lot of flowers and chocolates by patients you help. It’s absolutely lovely someone would take the trouble to buy such nice presents – but I wanted to do something different to show my appreciation to every single person on the unit – from all the staff, to the volunteers and receptionists. Nothing was too much trouble for them.

“They were always there for me, with help and support and even hugs when I was feeling down. They were all brilliant.

“I went back in on Monday to see them again. It was a reflective experience. To get discharged after 18 months is a funny thing.

“People think cancer units are scary places – they aren’t. They are full of lovely, helpful, dedicated and professional staff who always help you.

“Buying a star was my way of thanking them. I think they were really shocked at having the star. Their reaction was really moving. I think they really liked it.

“This isn’t about me. One day you’re a perfectly healthy woman running a marathon, the next day, suddenly you’re very ill. I dedicated the star to everyone to say thank you.”

Macmillan Cancer Cantre Nurse Team Leader Mark Jones, said: “The staff are delighted at having a star dedicated to them. We almost feel a little bit stunned at such a unique present. It’s testament to everyone’s hard work and dedication to Wendy – and to all our patients.”