Cancer hub’s big changes shown off to Wee Willie
ARANGERS legend has visited cancer treatment rooms after a donation from his late daughter’s trust allowed the spaces to be renovated.
Willie Henderson’s daughter Michelle was diagnosed with cervical cancer in October 2010, before sadly passing away on her 28th birthday two years later.
Michelle set up the Michelle Henderson Cervical Cancer Trust to give back to those who had helped her during her treatment and raise funds towards hospital equipment, medicines and support groups for women suffering from the illness.
Two cervical cancer treatment rooms within The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre have now been turned into better spaces for patients to be treated in following a £11,050 donation.
Willie, who visited the rooms for the first time on Monday, said: “Even when Michelle was battling for her life, being the type of person that she was, she was always thinking of other people.
“She founded the trust to prevent other mothers and fathers from going through the same as myself and my wife Veronica go through every day. It’s amazing to see the rooms today and see the impact that Michelle’s trust will have on other patients.”
The walls in the rooms have been decorated in Michelle’s favourite colours, pink and purple, as chosen by Willie. A mural has also been added to a wall in each room.
The windows have also been changed to allow more light into the rooms, pictures have been hung on the walls, and lockers and TVs have been.
Mel White, ward manager at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, said: “The rooms are more comfortable and calming – patients come in and you immediately see their shoulders just going down.
“It’s non-clinical – it’s a bit like a bedroom, and they just relax as soon as they’re here.
“Post-covid, we’ll be able to allow families to come in. A lot of these ladies have kids, as the average age is between 30 and 40 years old. It’s a much friendlier room for children and families.
“Patients are completely bedridden for 24 hours and have to lie flat, so it’s been a god send for them.”
A plaque has been placed outside the rooms to thank the Michelle Henderson Cervical Cancer Trust for the donation.
It’s amazing to see the rooms today