CANCER patients on the Mornington Peninsula will benefit from enhanced support services at The Bays Hospital in Mornington, after breast cancer survivor Barbara Clough raised $7500 through a fundraising event at Lifestyle Bittern retirement village.
Clough donated the money to The Bays specialist breast care and prostate cancer nurses to support patients who are living with breast and prostate cancer or who may receive a cancer diagnosis in the future.
“I thought it would benefit our local area because we’re going to have a lot of people needing that service,” she said.
The money has been used to buy a scalp cooling cap, which reduces hair loss during chemotherapy, as well as prostate cancer rehabilitation devices.
Having survived breast cancer 36 years ago and sadly lost family members to it, Clough estimates she has raised more than $100,000 during her many years fundraising to support breast cancer patients.
She said she was inspired to give back to The Bays after being treated for bowel cancer during COVID-19 lockdowns. She was “looked after beautifully” and had a good experience despite not being able to have visitors at the hospital.
Clough said businesses in Hastings and Bittern supported the afternoon tea she held to raise money for The Bays cancer support services.
With 129 attendees the afternoon tea raised $3747, which was then matched by Lifestyle Bittern.
The Bays is building a comprehensive cancer care centre to expand its cancer services and enable patients to undergo radiation therapy on the peninsula.
“The new cancer care centre will include radiation therapy, research facilities for clinical trials, procedure rooms, consulting suites, a wellness and education centre and a tranquil garden,” said The Bays CEO Jade Phelan said.
“From a patient’s initial diagnosis, they will be able to take advantage of The Bays Hospital for all of their treatment and care, including important support services and wellness programs. Having treatment locally available will mean family and friends will not need to travel significant distances to support patients during their treatment,” said Ms Phelan.
Community help is still required to complete this important project. As an independent, not-for-profit charity, The Bays Hospital welcomes all donations.
If you’d like to donate to or fundraise for The Bays, visit thebays.com.au/donate or email fundraising@thebays.com.au
First published in the Mornington News – 4th July 2023
