My name is Lorraine and I am The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s Research Partnership Manager - responsible for setting up commercially funded clinical trials for people with cancer.
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been challenging for people across the country for more than half a year. Writing has been a passion of mine for a long time and I had lots of inspiration for the situation we were facing and sympathy for the people who were going through it. There was lots going on and I wanted to make people smile and help them remember that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
Throughout the pandemic, I wrote more than 15 poems, which were shared with staff throughout The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre weekly as part of our internal COVID-19 bulletin. They touched on a variety of subjects including the clap for NHS workers, superheroes of Merseyside, hairdressers being closed and even home comforts.
It makes me so happy that my colleagues have enjoyed them and I’ve had such fabulous feedback. Given that as a region we are going through difficult times once again I wanted to share them with everyone else in the hope they can bring comfort and some laughter.
COVID-19 has had a huge impact on cancer services throughout the UK and The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity is the only charity that directly raises funds to benefit Clatterbridge Cancer patients and their families. The Charity has seen their income reduce dramatically as their events and fundraising activities have had to cease and this year they have introduced the Fairy Appeal to ensure that our patients can continue to receive the best possible care. Whether you dedicate a Fairy in memory of a loved one, or you simply want to say thank you to a member of staff it’s a lovely way to spread some much needed joy this Christmas and to celebrate the special people in your life.