Patients needing chemotherapy treatment at Bishop Auckland Hospital will now be able to do so in a more comfortable environment thanks to the legacy of a popular, community figure.
Peter Beedle was only 59 when he passed away from a rare form of cancer. He had been receiving care and treatment in the Mara Unit at Bishop Auckland Hospital, part of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, over the course of his illness.
During his treatment, Peter discovered there was only one chair he found comfortable in the Unit, where he could sometimes be sitting up to eight hours a day receiving treatment.
When Peter, sadly passed away in February this year, his family wanted to do something in his memory and to give something back to the unit.
Peter’s son, James, set up a JustGiving page and put collection tins in the local fish and chip shop in Cockerton Hill which was owned and run by Peter and which has now proudly been taken on by James.
Karen, Peter’s wife of 37 years, said: “Cancer can be a lonely journey and because Peter was receiving treatment during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic sometimes it felt like the staff on the unit were his only support. Especially Catherine, the ward sister, who was a great comfort. Everybody loved Peter, he was friendly and always ready to help. The County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity, was his own chosen Charity, as they had helped him so much, he wanted to do something to help them.”
Chris Bain, Peter’s son-in-law said: “Peter would arrive early just so he could it in that chair and was very cross whenever someone else was already sitting in it. So we started fundraising online and in the shop and because Peter was so well known everyone was keen to give what they could and we have been overwhelmed by the support from the local community. We’re so pleased that from a sad situation there comes something positive and we can give something back to the staff who really became like extended family.”
In total the family has raised over £4,000 for the Mara Unit. The money will be used to buy more reclining and cushioned chairs for patients, an ipad and other activities to help distract patients during long treatments and to uplift the environment with new photos and pictures for the walls of the treatment rooms.
Catherine Simpson, Mara Unit ward sister said: “All of the staff thought fondly of Peter and often still talk about him. Despite long treatment days, he always came in with a smile, headed for the same room and comfy chair. He talked to staff about his family, friends and things he’d done and was always interested in what staff had been up to – he was a true gentleman. We are overwhelmed at the amount raised, which is a true reflection of how highly Peter was thought of by all who knew him. We would like to say a huge thank you to all his family, friends and the local community for the donations given, in his memory, to the Mara Unit through our NHS Trust Charity. The money will be used for things that we know will make the time for those attending the Mara Unit, more comfortable.”
In addition, Peter was a member of the Freemason’s who also wanted to do something in his memory. Through the Masonic Durham Benevolent Funds and Lodges, they have secured funding for one of the chairs Peter found more comfortable during his treatment.
For more information about County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust’s Charity and how you can get involved please visit: www.cddft.nhs.uk or email: cddft.charity@nhs.net
