Alison Day and her mother, Gail Jose have both been undergoing cancer treatment during the COVID pandemic on board a Hope for Tomorrow Mobile Cancer Care Unit (MCCU). Alison, 47 and Gail, 78 live in Gillingham in Dorset, and became aware of the Hope for Tomorrow Mobile Cancer Unit when it was operating outside their local surgery. The unit has proved to be a sanctuary for both mother and daughter, who are at-risk and clinically vulnerable and need to shield during the COVID pandemic.
Alison, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2020, and Gail, who has a rare blood cancer, were able to meet for a socially distanced cup of tea and to undergo their treatments on the Hope for Tomorrow unit in Gillingham. Gail has been visiting the Mobile Cancer Care Unit for two years, and Alison has been attending weekly chemotherapy for nine weeks.
Alison says: ‘It was fantastic to be able to attend a session together. This was the nearest we have been to each other in a year. It was a safe environment for us both, and we were masked up, but also managed to have a cup of tea together – it was almost like having an outing to a café!’
The Mobile Cancer Care Unit has made a real difference to Alison and her family’s life. She says: ‘What was brilliant in particular is that with COVID I couldn’t go to hospital as I am classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, and there are limited visits for people like me. The Hope for Tomorrow unit is a great way to still receive treatment in a safe, very calm and friendly environment, and our contact with people is limited, which is essential.’
‘It’s had a positive impact on my family too – it’s so much easier whilst juggling home-schooling and I didn’t need to rely on my husband to take me there and back as the unit was so much closer.
‘I am truly grateful for the treatment I received, and the Hope for Tomorrow Mobile Cancer Unit is amazing for those of us who need safe treatments during the pandemic and beyond.’
