Northumberland couple donate to NHS charity after cancer treatment at Hexham hospital

Following Ann Purves’ diagnosis with lymphoma in May 2024, she underwent chemotherapy treatment at Hexham General Hospital, part of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, under the care of Dr Tiplady and his team.

Ann said: "I was sent to Hexham to have my chemotherapy because it was nearer for us, and I can only say that I have never met such kind, caring staff. They were absolutely super.

"The whole team were lovely. You just felt so comfortable and at ease with what they were doing. They felt like friends - you sort of came in and had a cuddle with them."

After five months of treatment, Ann and her husband Geoffrey were delighted to learn that she had responded well and was cancer free.

Wanting to give something back in recognition of the care they received, they made a generous donation to Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity to support improvements to oncology environments across the trust.

Ann added: "We just wanted to give something back, to indicate how very thankful we both were."

Since April 2025, Bright Charity has funded a range of enhancements at North Tyneside General Hospital's Oncology Day Unit.

Improvements to waiting areas, treatment spaces and the garden room have helped create a more welcoming, comfortable environment for patients undergoing treatment.

As an architect, Geoffrey has a particular interest in the impact that physical environments can have on wellbeing and recovery.

He said: "We could see that efforts were being made to improve the quality of these spaces and were intrigued.

"Spaces have such importance to the kind of treatment Ann was going through. To feel relaxed and to have a relationship with nature is a big factor in recovery."

This year, Bright Charity launched its first appeal in partnership with The Alnwick Garden, raising funds to create vibrant green spaces in hospitals. The initiative aims to enhance wellbeing, reduce stress and provide moments of calm for patients, visitors and staff.

Ann experienced first-hand the benefits of connecting with nature during her recovery.

She said: "When I was at home after chemotherapy, I could be sitting inside and not feeling particularly brilliant, but as soon as I went outside, I felt better."

Geoffrey added: "To feel relaxed and to have a relationship with nature and natural things, and to be able to see outside and see the blue sky, it's a big factor in good recovery."

Karen Streener, Grants, Delivery & Impact Manager at Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity, said: "Ann and Geoffrey's generosity will help us continue creating environments that support wellbeing alongside clinical care.

"Projects such as improved patient spaces, gardens and staff areas can make a real difference to how people feel during some of the most challenging times in their lives. We are incredibly grateful for their support and commitment to helping future patients, visitors and staff."

The couple would like to see their donation further improve the Oncology Day Unit, including enhanced staff facilities and therapeutic spaces that bring the benefits of nature into healthcare settings.