“I’d like to thank all the fundraisers who did this for us!”

Chemotherapy patient Eileen Latthe had her treatment in a room that came complete with a beach scene – thanks to fundraisers whose efforts have paid for a marvellous makeover at Walsall Manor Hospital.

Eileen, 70, who has liver and bowel cancer, added: “I noticed the daisies around the entrance as I came in too, well done to everyone involved because it’s very nice.”

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity Well Wishers has been able to donate almost £30,000 to brighten up the walls of the Chemotherapy Unit thanks to efforts including a London to Paris cycle ride, 80s disco, Make A Will Fortnight and the efforts of The Radhe Krishna Group, a Hindu ladies group which meets at Shree Ram Mandir temple in Pleck.

Jodie Simpson, Chemotherapy Unit Manager, said: “The new scenes make such a difference and are so much better than the plain walls we had before. Our patients can spend a few hours in the unit having treatment and it’s much better to be imagining yourself on a beach, on holiday, or walking through flowers on a sunny day to while away the time.

“Staff are really pleased too because it lifts your spirits seeing warm, cheerful colours.”

Breast cancer patient Hillary Giles, 78, said the unit looked very different from last week, after seeing the results of its weekend transformation.

“Sitting here, looking across at the beach I can imagine going on holiday. I’d like to be in Spain.

“I think the artwork looks lovely. You bring in books or wordsearches to distract you when you’re having chemotherapy but sometimes you just want to sit and relax and it’s much better to be able to look at something calming.”

Four new recliner chairs are also on their way to the unit.

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager at Walsall Healthcare, added: “I couldn’t wait to see the end result and I’m really pleased with how it has turned out.

“Thanks again to everyone who made this possible through their fundraising, much of which was done by grateful patients and relatives who wanted to thank staff on the unit for the care and support either they or their loved ones have received. In a few weeks’ time we hope some will be able see the unit for themselves.”