Band 'humbled 'by cancer unit

A SPECIALIST cancer unit in Sheffield dedicated to caring for teenagers has marked its fifth anniversary - with a visit from an indie band.

Up-and-coming Sheffield band Milburn visited the Teenage Cancer Unit, at Weston Park Hospital, to meet patients and staff and open a new conservatory, giving patients a new area to relax.

The unit was one of the first in the UK and provides dedicated support and care for 16 to 25-year-olds.

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Milburn lead vocalist Joe Carnall said: "Work taking place on the unit is truly amazing and staff do a really fantastic job in looking after patients.

"We had the chance to speak to some patients who had nothing but praise for the care they had received. We really enjoyed our visit and found it a truly humbling experience."

Also helping to celebrate the unit's success were Sheffield lottery millionaire's Ray and Barbara Wragg, who have been long term supporters of the unit.

The facility aims to provide a friendly environment, where patients can receive care and emotional support from experienced staff, as well as support from patients of a similar age.

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Scott Collins, aged 20, from Doncaster, who was treated for a rare type of brain tumour, said: "It really was a home from home to me, the nurses were like second mums and offered tremendous support."

He was so impressed with his care he has decided to train as a radiographer instead of his previous ambition - joining the police force.

Student Patrick Corcoran also praised the care he received when he developed testicular cancer.

The 19-year-old, from Millhouses, was diagnosed in April and had an operation before returning to Nottingham University to complete exams for his politics degree.

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His last exam was on a Friday - and the following Monday he was back in Weston Park having chemotherapy.

Patrick had tremendous support from his family and friends and when he was losing his hair due to chemotherapy and decided to shave it off, his friends followed suit.

"I really felt very lucky to be there, it's an amazing place," said Patrick, who has resumed his course and is enjoying getting back to normal life.

Sonia Brown, Sister at the Teenage Cancer Unit, said: "The unit is quite different to the typical hospital environment.

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"We provide a home from home where our patients can feel at ease in their surroundings. We work hard to create an atmosphere which is friendly and relaxed and one which helps reassure our patients.

"The unit was built with young people very much in mind and the patients were involved in every aspect of planning and design, to ensure their needs are met."

The unit has five separate bedrooms with computer and internet access, TV and video with SKY channels, stereo system and en-suite facilities.

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