A grandmother has returned to Walsall Manor Hospital with a generous donation, including a selection of hand-made purses and ‘worry worms’, as a thank you to her “incredible” nursing team.
Patricia Tidman was diagnosed with breast cancer in March this year after finding a lump. She has just finished her radiotherapy treatment.
Following her diagnosis and treatment she has been selling knitted and crocheted items, making £200 for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Breast Care Unit.
The colourful crocheted worry worms have little ‘made with love’ notes and are good for people to use when they are anxious. Patricia also crochets purses which she sells to make money for the Breast Care Unit.
The 72-year-old from Aldridge said: “If it wasn’t for the amazing team of Breast Care Nurses supporting me after my diagnosis I don’t know where I would be today.
“They are such a fabulous team of nurses. I am forever grateful for their support.
“I never felt alone and felt I could contact the team if I had any questions. They were so down to earth and approachable.
“I want to keep raising money for the team so I will keep knitting for them.”
The fundraising has been a real family affair, with Patricia’s two daughters, Sue and Jodie, getting involved by selling the purses and worry worms in venues across Walsall.
Patricia’s grandchildren Mia, Thea and Savanna have also started to learn to knit and crochet.
Helen Myatt, Breast Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: “We are so grateful for this donation.
“It is so wonderful when our patients come back to visit us and such a fantastic surprise if they have gone out their way to fundraise for us. The money will go towards paying for post mastectomy bras for our patients.
“Thank you so much to Patrica – the purses and worry worms are lovely as well.”
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager for Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity, said: “Thank you very much for Patrica and her family for raising money for the Breast Care Team. It is lovely to hear such fabulous feedback about how the team supported you.”