Retired Matron Education & Development. Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself - George Bernard Shaw. Opinions my own.
Joined August 2013
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Well at @RotherhamNHS_FT #PROUD awards last night in front of 350 people I told my #breastcancer journey over the last 14months. I am a nurse. But here I was the patient. It was the public nomination .... the support in the room 💕💕 TY to you all x
Hellomynameis Mary retweeted
I’ve been nil by mouth for over three months now, and I won’t dress it up: I don’t dislike it. I hate it. Read more below:
johndabell.com/2026/01/31/t...
Hellomynameis Mary retweeted
I am beyond angry that women with Stage 4 secondary breast cancer are being left to die before their time in this country, while the rest of the world moves forward with life extending treatments.
Women like me are dying because proven cancer drugs are being denied on cost grounds. Friends are gone who should still be here with their families and children. So many of the amazing women featured here, many of them my friends, have now tragically died.
Despite a median life expectancy of just 3–5 years, secondary breast cancer was reclassified by @NICEComms from “severe” to “moderate severe”, reducing access to funding for the latest life-extending treatments and diverting it elsewhere.
Secondary/metastasic breast cancer is one of the biggest killers of women between 35-64, yet patients are denied drugs that are routinely available in other countries. This is a political choice and women are paying with their lives.
#Enhertu is approved in the US, EU, Japan, China, Canada and Israel, and is available in Scotland.
Yet women in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are deemed “not cost effective”.
Why can all these countries provide this treatment while we cannot?
Why are women with secondary breast cancer treated as expendable? @Keir_Starmer @wesstreeting @BBCWomansHour @AshleyDalton_MP @UN_Women @UKLabour @NHSuk @METUPUKorg @BreastCancerNow
Hellomynameis Mary retweeted
Reflecting on a brilliant 2025 & this truly amazing figure! 17,200 letters donated, processed & given to cancer patients is incredible & a big increase on the previous yr. Huge thx to everyone who's taken the time to put pen to paper & bring some positivity to a stranger going💌.
Hellomynameis Mary retweeted
In 2013, Dr. Kate Granger initiated a campaign advocating for healthcare professionals to introduce themselves to patients.
While this may appear straightforward, and I've encountered the sentiment that it's an oversimplification or already standard practice, my personal experience suggests otherwise.
Approximately one year ago, I was admitted to a local hospital due to acute cholecystitis.
During my hospitalization, I observed the same phenomenon that Dr. Kate Granger highlighted. The patient experience in a hospital setting can be quite distinct from that of a healthcare provider.
Many healthcare professionals were diligently performing their duties, and doing so effectively, yet often omitted introductions or explanations of their actions.
Therefore, the message conveyed in the campaign initiated by Dr. Kate Granger should be reinforced.
hellomynameis.org.uk/
#BreastCancerAwareness day, do your checks ladies and gentleman! Get everyone involved and make fundraising a social one for all!!
Hellomynameis Mary retweeted
Our #DonateALetter workshops are perfect for anyone who is looking to write to strangers for our charity or for friends & family living with cancer but aren't quite sure where to start. Our next workshop is on 28th October, book your place via the link 👇
frommetoyouletters.co.uk/blo…
Hellomynameis Mary retweeted
I've just launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe and I hope that you'd be kind enough to share, support, or donate. Thank you! gofund.me/e0711e91
Hellomynameis Mary retweeted
This is the story of a 26-year-old student who sends a message to his teacher to explain that he will be absent from the course because he has not found anyone to keep his five-month-old daughter.
Nathan Alexander, 34, a math professor at Morehouse College (Atlanta) responds to his student by saying:
"If that's the problem, take her to class."
Upon arriving in the classroom, the teacher offered to take the child so that his student could devote himself entirely to the course. The teacher held the child throughout the lesson and even after, when he answered the students questions.
The photo posted on social media network. Internet users congratulated the teacher who not only teaches math, but also COMPASSION, KINDNESS and GENEROSITY towards others. ❤️
Source: The Washington Post
Hellomynameis Mary retweeted
Happy Letter Writers are what we like to see & this group of counselling students thoroughly enjoyed their recent letter writing event. They will hand deliver these letters to the Sussex Cancer Centre to bring a boost to the day of patients attending appointments & treament.
Hellomynameis Mary retweeted
Huntington's disease has been successfully treated for the first time, doctors tell BBC bbc.in/46jnMiX
Hellomynameis Mary retweeted
Huge thanks to Al and Tom from The Inked Paw, indie stationery retailer for these gorgeous donations. They are also kindly donating 10% from the sale of every Xmas card and paper sets this year to our charity 🙏
Hellomynameis Mary retweeted
The tiny acts of daily living that most people just take for granted are what head & neck cancer patients endure and dread. These moments rarely make headlines, but they define survival: eating, chewing, swallowing, speaking, breathing. Chronic courage is fighting the same battles every day and still finding reasons to smile.
Hellomynameis Mary retweeted
Bringing joy to others .....xxx
Huge thanks to new writer Sophy for this gorgeous package of kindness containing letters, illustrations, stickers and paper clips. A joyful donation 😍 from a writer who herself has experienced significant health challenges recently.
Thank you Sophy 🙏
#DonateALetter
🌈💖💖💖💖🙋🏻♀️
Lily walked into the police dog auction with a small jar of coins clutched in her hands.
She wasn’t there to watch. She wasn’t there for fun.
She was there for Max — the retired police dog who had once served alongside her late mother, Officer Hannah Parker.
Since losing her mom, Lily had stopped speaking. Yet, she never forgot the lessons her mother left behind: love with all your heart, and never give up.
As the bidding started, the price quickly soared past $3,000. Lily quietly stepped forward and placed her offer — just $52.16, every cent she had saved.
The room fell silent. Some laughed softly at the tiny bid.
But then, Max barked, broke free from his handler, and ran straight to Lily. Without hesitation, he sat at her side, guarding her like he always had with her mother.
No one said a word. One by one, the bidders lowered their paddles.
They all knew — Max had already chosen his home.
That day, Lily walked out of the auction with more than a dog.
She walked out with a piece of her mother’s love, and Max walked out with his forever family.
Because some bonds can’t be measured in money — only in loyalty, devotion, and hope
Hellomynameis Mary retweeted
FOUR MONTHS TO GO until I climb Kilimanjaro for @BowelsOfStMarks
Any donations or shares are so appreciated. Every penny goes to St Mark’s Hospital Foundation. ❤️
justgiving.com/page/natalie-…
