Christmas Appeal give a family the gift of Christmas together donate Oliver's dad, Steve, was treated for cancer at Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC). Last year he was given the all clear and was able to make it home in time for Christmas to spend precious moments with his family. We want to make sure more patients and their families can spend Christmas together. Will you help us? oliver's story "Many of you will know what it’s like to have your life turned upside down by a shock diagnosis. The hospital visits. The endless appointments. And precious family time overshadowed by feeling unwell," said Oliver. "Christmas is meant to be a time for family. A time for us to get together and celebrate. But a serious illness at Christmas dominates the festive season for some families. "Last year, on 23rd December, I witnessed something unforgettable: my dad, Steve, ringing the bell at BHOC. All-clear. Cancer-free. It was the best Christmas gift we could have imagined. "Could you give someone like my dad the gift of an illness free Christmas by making a donation today? "Just months earlier, Dad thought he’d burned his throat on a hot potato. It turned out to be cancer. He was diagnosed just three days before my wedding. He didn’t tell me, he just smiled through the day, though he was in pain, scared and couldn’t give the speech he’d written. He just wanted us to enjoy an incredible day together as a family. "What followed was brutal — surgery, six weeks of radiotherapy, two and a half stone of weight loss. Dad’s hair fell out; his sense of taste disappeared. Watching him struggle was heartbreaking. But the team at BHOC were incredible. Their care, kindness and constant positivity kept him going - kept us all going. "Having Dad home with an all-clear made last Christmas such a happy occasion. Although Dad couldn’t eat much, we had a lovely Christmas dinner, played board games and took lots of photos. We were all really present and didn’t want to waste a moment together. I’m so grateful to have had my dad last Christmas and hope to have him with us and doing well for many more Christmases to come. "Your support can help make moments like ours possible." could you give a family the gift of christmas together? Please support our Christmas appeal and help bring moment of joy, comfort and hope to patients at your hospitals. or MAKE A regular DONATION learn more about some of the projecTs funded IN CANCER CARE A donation of £12 could support more teenage and young adult support groups Peer support groups for cancer patients aged 16-25 provide an opportunity for young people to socialise with others who truly understand their cancer experience and treatment journey. Abbie, 24, has been a patient at BHOC since she was 22 and has regularly attended the sessions. She told us… “The sessions are great. It’s a grim situation and it lights it up a bit. You get to meet other young people that have similar experiences to yourself. Family and friends are great to talk to, but unless they’ve been through it themselves, they don’t fully understand it.” A donation of £25 could fund complementary therapy for cancer patients Tracey is a double breast cancer patient. She had two sessions of reflexology and two sessions of reiki. She said… “I was sceptical at first. I called it hippy dippy c**p, but I went anyway and it did work. It made me feel human again. It was something to look forward to rather than being pumped full of chemicals every week. It made me feel feminine. “Lots of people having treatment are on statutory sick pay, so they could never afford something like this. It’s a nice treat and I would absolutely have it again.” A donation of £50 could help buy more EQUIPMENT THAT CAN BE USED REMOTELY Many patients who have head and neck cancer, like Steve, have trouble managing symptoms that interfere with basic functions like breathing and speaking. We have funded six portable suction machines, allowing patients to manage their symptoms at home between treatments, reducing their time in hospital. Your donation today could fund projects like these, allowing more patients to spend Christmas at home with their loved ones. PLEASE DONATE TODAY Funding extra support for cancer patients is just one way that Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity brings moments of joy, comfort and hope to patients, families and staff across our ten hospitals. Your donation will be used wherever the need is greatest, making a real difference where it matters most. Manage Cookie Preferences