Cancer centre is a blockbuster

Patients at University Hospital's brand new cancer centre can now watch the latest movies after a very special donation.  

Visiting the cancer centre can often involve treatments which last many hours but now a host of portable mini DVD players have been donated to help pass the time.  

Bev Broad, 45, of Kidsgrove, lost her battle with cancer in 2005.  

Together with her friend Hazel Small, who was also battling against the disease at the same time, they wanted to do something to raise funds for future patients.  

Hazel said:

"I was a patient alongside Bev in 2003 and we went through our treatment together. We had previously been work colleagues and neither of us knew each others situation until we met at the hospital. We buddied our way through the therapy and we became good friends. Unfortunately, Bev lost her fight back in 2005 but she still managed to make it to one of the live music events we organised to raise funds."  

Hazel and Bev's husband Derek handed over 10 mini portable DVD plays along with a range of the latest Hollywood blockbusters to help patients stay be more entertaining.  

Hazel said:

"I didn't have anyone to come with me to the hospital, if Bev was with me it was great because I had someone to talk to, but apart from that I was on my own. It can be boring sitting here for four hours on your own; the nurses can only talk to you for so long."

Steve Rushton, charitable funds manager, said:

"This donation will make a huge difference to the quality of stay for our cancer patients. It's really important that the community continues to support University Hospital and I can't thank Hazel and Derek enough."