A room to help calm cancer patients when they are having chemotherapy at Furness General Hospital has been named in memory of a Barrow man.
Gareth Brown died aged 28 in 2017 after developing a rare form of cancer affecting the adrenal glands.
Now funds raised by Gareth’s family and friends have been used to create Gareth’s Room in the oncology unit at the hospital.
The room features ‘illuminated ceiling panels showing calming images.
Oncology unit manager Jayne Bickerstaff said: “Gareth’s Room is used for oncology patients when they are having PICC lines inserted to give them their chemotherapy treatment.
“The procedure can be quite difficult for patients, and the illuminated ceiling panels are proven to ease stress and anxiety.
“We’re very proud to have named the room in Gareth’s honour, and grateful for all the generous donations that have helped us to make treatment more comfortable for our patients.”
Gareth’s family and friends have raised tens of thousands of pounds for the unit, has been raised so far through a number of activities including sponsored triathlons, the Keswick to Barrow Walk, a football tournament, race nights, children’s dancing shows and more.
Dad Steve and mum Karen recently visited the unit to see the room and the plaque bearing Gareth’s name.
Gareth’s sister Gemma Brown said: “The family was overwhelmed to visit Gareth’s Room at the hospital.
“When we started the fundraising this wasn’t something we imaging would happen – this is so much more than we expected.
“Gareth was all about everybody else, so he would have loved how much of a difference the room makes to patients. He was such a positive person, and this will help other people to have a positive experience while they’re going through such a difficult time.”
Money raised by Gareth’s family and friends was donated to the oncology unit via Bay Hospitals Charity, which funds the latest equipment for University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust to help make patients more comfortable and ensure they get the best possible care and treatment.
UHMBT non-executive director Adrian Leather said: “It’s lovely to see Gareth’s memory honoured through the naming of this room.
“We are very grateful to Gareth’s family for their contribution to the oncology unit, which we hope will help our patients feel more comfortable during their treatment.”
