Returning to the ward as a patient

Maggie's Story

“I was recently diagnosed with lymphoma and found myself sitting on the same maroon chair in the Haematology Centre waiting room my late Dad had sat on, when he was treated for leukaemia three years earlier. I could see the ELF Filling Time kiosk, serving teas, coffees, and treats, still being run by the same lovely lady. My gaze fixed on the large fish tank in the waiting room, and after watching the bright tropical fish gliding around, I spotted the sucker-mouth catfish. With its jazzy black and gold pattern, and its huge mouth and whiskers, this fish fascinated my Dad and helped him relax while he waited for his blood transfusions.

It was about 4cm then but has quadrupled in size since. As I watched it diligently cleaning the sides of the tank, it occurred to me that while this fish has been growing, ELF has been quietly, and just as diligently, running the services my Dad relied upon, and which are now helping me and no doubt hundreds of patients in between.

I am so grateful to ELF for their kindness and support in times of need.”