Angela vows to Walk for Wards following cancer

On Saturday 23 September, patients and staff of the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals – as well as their families and friends – will join together at Avon Heath Country Park to walk either 1km, 4km or 8km and raise money for a hospital ward or department of their choosing.

The event will be especially important to Angela Collins of Ringwood, whose world was rocked when she received the news that she had cancer.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer almost exactly a year ago,” Angela explains. “Having never been in hospital for anything other than one night for the birth of each of my kids, I don’t mind saying I was absolutely terrified, for myself and my family.”

Angela began treatment at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s Oncology Department, which included chemotherapy, radiotherapy and undergoing surgery.

“With the massive support from Dr Hickish, Esther, the many fabulous chemotherapy nurses and wonderful reception team on Ward 10 as well as Mr Perry, Christine and the rest of the Breast Care Team in the Jigsaw Building, I am able to say I am a survivor,” says Angela.

“Those two departments literally saved my life. I will never be able to thank them enough, despite all the horrible things they had to do to me!”

Angela wants to give something back to the wards that helped care for her and so has signed up to Bournemouth Hospital Charity’s Walk for Wards event alongside her husband and two children, as well as her sister’s family and one of her best friends.

“I would never have got through my treatment without the support of these people,” says Angela, “and now they are helping me to give something back to those who saved me.

“Anyone who knows me will know that I would’ve never walked 8km or even to the local shop before treatment. It’s not going to be the easiest of things while I’m still recovering from the effects of treatment, but at least it’s not running!”

Anyone wanting to support a ward or department that is close to their hearts can sign up for Walk for Wards today at BHCharity.org/w4w/. Entry is just £10 for adults, while children under the age of 16 can walk for free, with each participant asked to raise sponsorship.

Walk for Wards is sponsored by Maria Mallaband Care Group’s Homefield Grange Luxury Care Home in Christchurch.