Bristol Cancer Appeal

Your generosity towards the Bristol Cancer Appeal has helped fund four Readybed Sleeper Chairs for the haematology department at Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC).

The Readybed Sleeper Chair easily converts from a chair into a bed meaning that end-of-life patients with cancer can have their loved ones sleep by their side.

Conrad shared his story in support of the appeal as he knows just how valuable the sleeper chairs will be to patients treated in BHOC.

“I could have given her comfort by being there at the most difficult time in our lives.”

“When my partner Alex was diagnosed with leukaemia in December 2015 our world was turned upside down. The Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre became part of our lives for the next 19 months. The open visiting hours on the ward allowed Alex and I, and our three daughters, to spend time together during her frequent and sometimes lengthy stays.

“There were times during this period when I just needed to be there day or night. Because it’s the only thing you feel you can do to help when the person you love is in a critical phase of treatment. When they are very sick and you know it’s near the end.

“I spent nights beside Alex sat on a chair with my feet on the bed trying to sleep. Nights making a bed by pushing two chairs together or on the bench seating in the patient lounge. I even spent nights on a mattress on the floor. It was uncomfortable but I was there”.

"If the rooms that Alex stayed in had been equipped with sleeper chairs then it would have made a tremendous difference."

Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre has a number of single rooms which are usually allocated for end–of-life-care.

Previously, family members caring for their loved ones had no facilities for overnight stays. Occasionally, and only if possible, the nursing staff were able to make exceptions as Conrad has described.

The Sleeper Chairs would have made all the difference to Conrad, Alex and their daughters. Now, thanks to your support, families like Conrad's will now be able to share precious moments together.

Please help support patients with cancer. You can donate, find out more about fundraising, or leave a gift in your will. Thank you.