Chaplain is hailed for cancer fight
THE chaplain at one of Scotland’s biggest shopping centres has been hailed as “inspirational” after dedicating her life to helping others following her brave cancer battle.
Hazel Brooks, the chaplain at the intu Braehead, told how she urged doctors to operate on two large tumours on her ovaries despite their fears she would die on the operating table.
The 47-year-old was forced to sell the Brookside Homes and Gardens Centre she ran as she took on a year of gruelling chemotherapy, radiotherapy and Brachytherapy.
But, it spurred her on to complete a diploma in theology and become an industrial chaplain – despite a 50-mile round trip to attend her job at the centre.
Hazel, of Stonehouse in Lanarkshire, said: “At first the surgeon said she didn’t want to operate on the tumours as they were so big she thought I would die on the operating table. But I had so much faith in God and the power of prayer, I persuaded her to operate.
“Thankfully, the operation was a success and everyone at the Beatson Cancer Centre was shocked, but delighted that I survived.”
She added: “I’ve been blessed to survive and I will always be grateful for the extra time I’ve been given.
“That’s why I decided to become an industrial chaplain and help other people through their problems.”
Although Hazel still requires treatment to keep two small secondary cancer tumours at bay, she has pledged her life to helping others.
David Lyon, intu Braehead’s marketing manager, said: “Even after everything she has been through, Hazel is always there with a smile.”