WORCESTER’S MP visited a cancer charity’s headquarters in West London as the city gets ready to open its own breast cancer unit.
Robin Walker went to The Haven’s main base on Monday (February 9) after the organisation joined forces with Worcestershire Royal Hospital to develop a new breast unit, which is due to open later this year.
The new hospital development is going ahead as a result of a successful campaign supported by Mr Walker having met with Stephen Thrush, Worcestershire Royal Hospital’s consultant.
Once the unit is up and running The Haven will provide specialist support, advice and therapies in conjunction with their treatment for breast cancer patients.
On his visit the MP was met by Hannah Daws, director of fund-raising and communications at The Haven, and shown a large number of therapy rooms, the gym, which is built into the old church roof, and a special cook book designed by their chef containing healthy food catered for people getting over breast cancer.
Mr Walker said: “It was wonderful to see what a calm, tranquil, welcoming and friendly place The Haven is even in the midst of London’s buzz and bustle.
“Having visited the Hereford Haven, this visit confirmed to me the value of the support, advice and therapy that they can offer.”
He added: “It is really exciting to know that all this is coming to Worcester in what will be very first partnership between a cancer charity of this sort and a hospital trust. I know that people in Worcester have already done a huge amount to support the Breast Unit campaign and it is tremendously exciting to see it coming ever closer to fruition. I hope we will be able to welcome this charity even more into the city and make this pioneering partnership the success it deserves to be.”
Mr Walker was also told how The Haven was created by Sara Davenport in 1997 who was touched by the experience of a friend suffering with breast cancer and believed there was not enough support out there for patients.
Ms Daws said: “I was delighted to welcome Robin to our West London centre to show him where it all started back in 2000. In 2015 the charity is so excited to be involved in the Worcestershire Acute Hospital Trust’s new Breast Unit which will really break new ground in providing a full range of clinical and holistic treatment for breast cancer patients under one roof.”
