Help Jane be a friendly face for kids with cancer
Nurse in plea to bring crucial clinical trials to Scotland
TALKING to families of Scots youngsters who have faced cancer, Jane Belmore’s name comes up time and time again.
In a remarkable career spanning more than 30 years, the nurse has cared for thousands battling the disease at hospitals in Glasgow.
She’s watched as many children leave the wards after beating their illness and has been by the sides of those who have lost their fight.
And that is why the Schiehallion Appeal – a bid to give more kids access to life-saving clinical trials at home in Scotland – means so much to her.
Jane is calling on readers to support Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity in the final weeks of the appeal, which has been backed by the Daily Record.
The oncology expert said: “For a clinical trial, which may be a child’s last hope, you don’t really want to be spending that time with strangers.
“You want people that you know around you. People who understand.
“I have been involved with many families having to go down south when the child is very ill. It is a lot of added pressure on a family already in a vulnerable state.
“Being able to offer that at home, in a familiar environment, would mean so much to these families.”
Jane, who trained as a nurse in the 80s, started at Yorkhill Hospital, then moved to the city’s new Royal Hospital for Children. She cared for Claire MacQueen, now 36, from Oban, who had leukaemia as a 14-year-old and went on to become a nurse.
Jane also looked after Stephanie Muirhead, now 38, from Glasgow, who was paralysed by cancer aged 10 but chose to work in orthopaedics after making an amazing recovery.
But there are many other young patients who were not as lucky and will always be remebered by Jane.
She said: “When I worked as an oncology outreach nurse, part of the job is end-of-life care. I can’t say you ever get used to it because you don’t.
“We have known these patients for such a long time throughout their diagnosis and treatment and have a relationship with the family.
“They trust you to look after their child when it comes to that stage.”
Jane now works with children who have come to the end of their treatment and are dealing with the effects it has on their bodies.
She said: “It is so intense and arduous on the child. But obviously we’re getting better outcomes from it.”
Jane is supporting the Schiehallion Appeal to raise £500,000 to expand current clinical trials centre at Glasgow’s children’s hospital.
Medical experts hope the money could help make it a UK leader in clinical trials for youngsters battling cancer and blood disorders.
She said: “I’d encourage people to give what they can. My hope is that for more children in Scotland, we’re able to offer a clinical trial in a place where they are familiar with the staff and that they think of as home.” ● To support the appeal, text CHILD to 70707 to donate £5 or call 0141 212 8750.