Shirley Wieland
In memory of Lynda
Fundraising for SASH Charity
Story
April 23rd, 2023 will be a memorable day for over 50,000 thousand people who line the streets of London to participate in the annual marathon. And whilst I shall be one of them (eek!) my thoughts and those of my family will be very much about my beautiful sister-in-law who passed away on that very day, 4 years ago.
Lynda was only in her early forties when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. To this day her courage and strength continues to amaze me.
Her motto each time it returned was always “time to get the boxing gloves back on” and boy did she put up a fight!
Refusing to let it succeed, she continued to embrace life, working when she could, socialising with her family and friends, going on holidays, and frequenting the gym to maintain her fitness.
Lynda was a beautiful lady- inside and out. Her beauty would turn heads and her positive, vivacious personality was infectious.
She was a mum to her wonderful children; Iona, Fraser and Kyle, a loving wife to Dale and a much loved daughter and sister to Robert , Barbara and Craig.
Each time her cancer returned, Lynda attended Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH). It offered additional holistic care and support in a friendly and non-clinical environment for people affected by cancer. Whether a patient, carer, family member or friend, the centre provided a welcoming atmosphere where people could receive practical advice, emotional support or simply a listening ear, at any stage of their cancer experience.
This was a lifeline for Lynda who remarked on several occasions how amazing the staff were.
And so dear reader, I am raising funds for this brilliant facility. At the request of current centre users, SASH are asking for help to build a new summerhouse, in the cancer centre garden.
How will your donations help?
The enclosed garden at the Macmillan Centre offers a therapeutic retreat to people affected by cancer. Centre users have requested more shade from the sun and a fixed structure to provide year-round protection from the elements, so that they are still able to spend quiet time in the garden throughout the year. The summer house will be for anyone using the cancer centre. Somewhere to shelter from the weather whilst feeling the therapeutic benefits of being in the garden. A sheltered space for reflection and privacy will provide an area to accommodate a different social environment and provide additional stimulation through the colours, smells, and sounds of wildlife in the garden.
One in two of us will unfortunately be affected by cancer and will need support.
If you can spare a few bob to support such people, who like Lynda, benefited so much from SASH, that would be truly amazing!
With warmest wishes and much love,❤️
Shirley
