Parents raise £7,000 for cancer hospital’s life-saving work

Twelve years ago Susan and John Green’s world was turned upside down when their daughter was diagnosed with cancer.

Anne, who was 22 at the time and studying for an English degree at Derby College, began treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

She was offered the chance to go on a clinical trial called Stanford V and started on a course of chemotherapy at specialised cancer hospital Weston Park in Sheffield.

Anne said: “When I arrived at Weston Park Hospital, my cancer was so advanced that they were unsure how effective my treatment would be.”

“But under the care of Professor Barry Hancock, I had the opportunity to go on a clinical trial which, although was extremely scary at the time, began reducing my tumours after just two treatment sessions.”

After completing chemotherapy treatment, Anne began a course of radiotherapy at Weston Park Hospital.

She said: “When I realised that the treatment had in fact worked, I just couldn’t believe it. Six months earlier I was facing the reality that I may not live to survive this disease but thanks to the advanced programme of clinical trials at Weston Park Hospital I suddenly had everything to live for.”

In the years since Anne’s diagnosis, her mum and dad vowed to raise as much money as possible for the Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity, to say a big thank you for their daughter’s treatment and care.

From till collections at their garden centre, Spring Bank Nurseries at Barlborough, to selling end- of-the- line plants for donations, the Greens have raised £7,000 with plans to continue supporting the cause for as long as they are able.

Susan said: “It would be fantastic if more people could support this vital service and volunteer to help out with collecting and distributing tins in Chesterfield for the cancer charity.”

“Funding from the charity makes it possible for clinical trials, similar to the one Anne went on, to be available to cancer patients where standard treatments may not have worked. Without this funding, Anne may not have been here today and for that, we will be forever thankful.”