A Harrogate cancer survivor and author has this week handed over a cheque of £830.62 in book sales proceeds to Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre where she received her treatment for cancer.
When Jackie Buxton was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 45, she lurched between the crippling fear that the cancer had spread, and great comfort that she was one of the lucky ones because the medical profession aimed to cure her.
Determined to learn as much as possible about her condition, Jackie devoured patient information leaflets and online articles. But what she really wanted to read was the account of an ordinary person being treated for cancer who, crucially, emerged on the other side still smiling.
Unable to find anything, Jackie decided to do what she does best: write. Detailing her experiences in a blog, she soon found that people began to write to her saying that her blog had helped them in their own struggle with cancer. Delighted to be having an impact on others, Jackie realised that she had much more to say.
What started as a blog grew into the book that Jackie wanted to read when she was diagnosed: “the truth coated with positivity and optimism”. Tea & Chemo was born. Spending time in the best-seller lists and gaining over 75 five star reviews, Tea & Chemo is selling better than Jackie dreamed and she’s delighted with the contribution she’s been able to make to charities so far.
Jackie was treated at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s very own Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre, and to give something back to the people who supported her so well, she chose to donate all proceeds to worthy causes– including the centre.
Jackie said:
The team of staff at the centre were responsible for turning the emotionally and physically difficult experience of having chemo into something almost pleasant – honestly. I never felt as secure and cared for as when I was attending the centre every three weeks.
I wanted some of the proceeds of Tea and Chemo to go to the department to show my gratitude to all the staff and volunteers as well as to attempt to do something small for all cancer sufferers and their loved ones.
Sarah Grant, Macmillan Patient Information and Health & Wellbeing Manager, said:
It’s lovely to be able to share Jackie’s book and her positive experiences of the centre with those who are having their treatment with us now. We are very grateful for the royalties raised from the book as they will help us continue to improve the care and support we are able to give our patients.
