Inside Salisbury: Breast cancer diagnosis leads to real challenge
Kindness and support leads breast cancer patient to raise money for charity
DESPITE a breast cancer diagnosis, a woman from Winterslow has decided to challenge herself walking 10k for charity.
Marie Gower, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2024, will be walking with her husband Trevor at the sponsored walk on Sunday, July 6, at Wilton House, to say thank you for the care she has received on the Pembroke Cancer Unit at Salisbury Hospital.
Marie, 44, said: “At my first chemotherapy treatment, I was terrified, and my emotions were very much raised. The whole of the Pembroke Suite staff were amazing and kind, but I still couldn't stop crying.
“It was towards the end of my first treatment that I met the wonderful Stars Appeal Aromatherapist. The aromatherapy really made me feel pampered and me again at a time when I really was feeling anything but me.
“The work the Stars Appeal funds is phenomenal so anything we can do to raise awareness and funds to help others feel an extra arm of support and benefit as I have at such an awful time is an absolute privilege.
“This is the first time we've done Walk for Wards, but it won't be the last. My husband has been with me every step of this journey and more - the emotional and day-to-day support, helping me come to terms with my diagnosis, each scan, the tears, the hair loss, exhaustion, and simply driving me to and from all my appointments. To be able to do the walk together and make a difference and give something back is the icing on the cake.”
Read more: London marathon beckons man from Durrington
Stars Appeal projects support thousands of local people with cancer at the hospital. The charity funds the latest treatment and diagnostic equipment for patients with cancer as well as extras that make time in hospital more comfortable, including the Stars Appeal aromatherapist, free hot and cold drinks, and snacks during chemotherapy treatment.
The Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, funds other projects to help patients with cancer, including free headwear and dedicated swimming sessions in the hospital’s pool. It also supports wellbeing programmes such as prehabilitation, which offers one-to-one support to help patients prepare for surgery and treatment. The charity also funds enhancements to the furnishings and décor of the Pembroke Cancer Unit, and builds and maintains the hospital’s first-ever Breast Unit.
Join the Stars Appeal’s 20th Walk for Wards this July by registering for free at www.starsappeal.org/event/walk-for-wards/.
There is a choice of routes.
Participants can walk 3k, 5k, 10k or the new 15k route for their chosen ward or department at Salisbury Hospital.
Guildhall becomes comedy central
THE GUILDHALL will transform into a comedy venue this summer with three top performers taking centre stage.
The comedians, straight from your TV, will take to the stage in the historic banqueting hall on Friday 27 June and includes:
Ben Norris - “A master of the craft.” – GQ Magazine
A professional comedian since 1993, Ben has performed on stages across the world, including on QI and Mock the Week.
Mike Gunn - “Mike Gunn is one of the 10 leading stand-ups in Britain.” – Independent on Sunday.
Prior to working as a stand-up comedian, Mike Gunn worked as a Funeral Director and this might be why his review in The Guardian says, "Mike Gunn will make you die laughing."
Dane Baptiste - “A comical genius.” – Edinburgh Festivals Magazine
Dane Baptiste has performed on Live at the Apollo twice, Mock the Week, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Comedians Giving Lectures and Hypothetical.
Tickets are £20 in advance and £25 on the door, subject to availability. The event will start promptly at 8 pm and will run until approximately 9.45 pm. Doors open at 7.15 pm, giving you plenty of time to grab a drink from the bar before the show begins.
Please note this event is for over 18s only.
Click here to grab your tickets.
