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A Glasgow jewellery maker has created a jewellery advent calendar for patients at Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre.
During each day of advent, patients are being asked to open a new window of the calendar, revealing a gift for them to enjoy.
PICTURED: The advent calendar which was created by Sophie Totten
Sophie Totten started making jewellery as a hobby during her time at university after developing a passion for it. She made so many pieces and initially set up a shop on Etsy – but then her mum came up with the idea of donating some items to patients at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.
Sophie donated the jewellery to the team this year, and Beatson Cancer Charity staff have since been able to hand out the items to patients in various circumstances such as birthdays, anniversaries or to simply try and put a smile on a patient’s face.
PICTURED: Team Leader Helen MacPherson with Sophie Totten
Sophie said: “I love giving gifts and making people smile with my jewellery. The Beatson has special meaning to me both on a professional and personal level - I work in clinical research, specifically oncology, and have had the pleasure of working with the staff at the Beatson for many years and seeing the amazing work they do.
“My mum was also recently treated at the Beatson and I got to see a totally different side of the team and the exceptional care they give the patients. I wanted to do something to support the work the Wellbeing Team does since they really do make a fantastic difference to the patient experience.
“I thought the advent calendar would be a fun way to share that with some people that really need their spirits lifted during a challenging time. I can’t imagine how hard it is for the patients and families to be separated over Christmas so this felt like a small thing I could do to make that a little easier, even if only for a few minutes.”
PICTURED: Some of the gifts inside the advent calendar
67-year old Adeline Patrick from Glasgow was delighted to be asked to open number 19 on the advent calendar this week, revealing a bookmark.
PICTURED: Tommy and Adeline Patrick
Adeline regularly visits the Wellbeing Centre while her husband Tommy is receiving blood transfusions every fortnight in the wards. It’s after he was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in June this year.
Adeline said: “It’s an amazing, warm and friendly place. I know it probably sounds silly, but I look forward to coming here when Tommy’s going for treatments.
“The team make time to talk to you about anything at all, you feel safe in here – even coming on your own.”
When Adeline arrives at the Wellbeing Centre, she’s greeted by a hot drink and some biscuits, and enjoys relaxing with a book until Tommy is finished his treatment.
She says she was overwhelmed when asked to open the advent calendar this week.
Adeline said: “I found it emotional. When the Wellbeing team staff member explained the situation I felt it was quite special it being offered to me.
“I thought it was just for patients, so I felt very privileged.”
Adeline explains the Wellbeing Centre has helped her to manage her anxiety during Tommy’s time in treatment.
She said: “It’s helped me to chill out and relax a lot more.
“Having a space to come to and the wonderful Wellbeing team to speak to is amazing – and they always make time for you.”
The Wellbeing Centre has also helped Tommy as he enjoys relaxing in the space with a coffee before and after treatments.
Tommy said: “It’s a fantastic service, they’re so friendly.
“I feel more relaxed knowing Adeline’s being looked after. She’s very worried and when she comes out of here, she’s a lot more chilled after having someone to talk to. It makes me more relaxed.”
Helen MacPherson, Team Leader at the Wellbeing Centre, said: "To see the joy on the patients' faces when they have been given the advent gift is truly priceless.
“We simply cannot express enough thanks to Sophie in her Christmas donation for the patients.”
For more information about our Wellbeing Centre visit our website or call the Wellbeing Centre directly on 0141 301 7667.
