King's Lynn cancer patient fundraising for new outdoor area at the hospital

Having been diagnosed with an uncommon cancer, a Queen Elizabeth Hospital patient has set up a fundraiser to improve the outdoor seating area for cancer patients and NHS staff.

Graham Gardner, 60, is currently receiving chemotherapy treatment for lymphoma at Lynn's hospital, and is hoping to spruce up the Macmillan Cancer Centre's outdoor area so that patients are able to rest in a "peaceful, tranquil area".

Mr Gardner and his wife Kathy have already purchased a 6ft fibreglass boat with the intention of creating an uplifiting seaside theme.

The family are appealing for donations to go towards the garden area including funds for plants to go inside the boat.

Mrs Gardner said: "Especially with lockdown, it's become more isolated so this would be something to look forward to. There does not seem to be any problems but a few other patients have said it's just the view. There is not very much out there."

As well as supporting patients, the family said the new outdoor area would be nice for NHS staff to relax in between shifts.

"The NHS have been the key to us all getting through this current pandemic and they are such lovely staff in the cancer ward, helping to ease the patients' worries and they have really taken care of my step-father," said Rachel Underwood, Mr Gardner's step-daughter.

She added: "The area they sit outside is very tired and dull. It is just gravel and a few benches so we are trying to make it a nicer area for other cancer patients to try and enjoy the escape of getting out."

The family have spoken to hospital staff who agreed to the idea, but said it would need to be low maintenance.

Speaking about her step-father's condition, she said: "He got quite ill over lockdown, and when he was waiting for a scan he just got worse. He had loads of tests and was told he had rare lymphoma."

Mr Gardner, who retired in October, started intense chemotherapy on Thursday, which took roughly two-and-a-half-hours that day according to his wife.

If you would like to donate for the outdoor garden area plans, visit www.gofundme.com/f/21vyk1scmo where a fundraising target of £500 has already been surpassed.