Sophie is a jewel

Jeweller is giving patients free gifts

A jewellery maker with a heart of gold has sprinkled her magic in cancer wards by using her talent to lift the spirits of patients and their loved ones this festive season.

On each day of advent, patients and relatives at Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre were invited to open a new window of a calendar specially created by jewellery maker, Sophie Totten – and behind each one was a lovingly-created gift.

Sophie began making jewellery as a hobby during her time at university, and soon developed a passion for it.

After designing many beautiful pieces, she initially set up a shop on Etsy – but then her mum came up with the idea of donating some of her creations to patients at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

Since Sophie gifted items of her jewellery to the team, Beatson Cancer Charity staff have been able to hand out the items to patients to mark various significant dates throughout the year, including birthdays and anniversaries.

In some instances, they’ll present one of Sophie’s creations as a surprise, simply to put a smile on a patient’s face.

Sophie, of Glasgow, explained: “I love giving gifts and making people smile with my jewellery. The Beatson has special meaning to me, both on a professional and personal level. I work in clinical research, specifically oncology, and have had the pleasure of working with the staff at The Beatson for many years and seeing the amazing work they do.

“My mum was also recently treated at The Beatson and I got to see a totally different side of the team and the exceptional care they give the patients. I wanted to do something to support the work the wellbeing team does, since they really do make a fantastic difference to the patient experience.

“I thought the advent calendar would be a fun way to share that with some people who really need their spirits lifted during a challenging time. I can’t imagine how hard it is for the patients and families to be separated over Christmas so this felt like a small thing I could do to make that a little easier, even if only for a few minutes.”

Adeline Patrick, 67, was thrilled to be invited to open number 19 on the advent calendar, revealing a beautiful, handmade bookmark.

Adeline is a regular visitor to the Wellbeing Centre while her husband, Tommy – who was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in June – is receiving fortnightly blood transfusions in the wards.

Adeline, of Glasgow, said: “It’s an amazing, warm and friendly place. I know it probably sounds silly, but I look forward to coming here when Tommy’s going for treatments.

“The team make time to talk to you about anything at all. You feel safe in here – even coming on your own.”

When Adeline arrives at the Wellbeing Centre, she’s greeted with a hot drink and some biscuits, and enjoys relaxing with a book until Tommy is finished his treatment.

Saying she felt overwhelmed to be asked to open a window on the advent calendar, Adeline continued:

“I found it emotional. When the wellbeing team staff member explained the situation, I felt it was quite special that it was being offered to me. I thought it was just for patients, so I felt very privileged.”

For Adeline, the Wellbeing Centre is an exceptional haven that has helped her to manage her anxiety during Tommy’s treatments.

“It’s helped me to chill out and relax a lot more,” she said. “Having a space to come to and the wonderful wellbeing team to speak to is amazing – and they always make time for you.”

The Wellbeing Centre has also been a godsend for Tommy, who can enjoy unwinding in the space with a coffee before and after treatments.

“It’s a fantastic service, they’re so friendly,” he said. “I feel more relaxed, knowing Adeline’s being looked after. She’s very worried and when she comes out of here, she’s a lot more chilled after having someone to talk to. It makes me more relaxed.”

Helen Macpherson, team leader at the Wellbeing Centre, said: “To see the joy on the patients’ faces when they have been given the advent gift is truly priceless.

“We simply cannot express enough thanks to Sophie in her Christmas donation for