A special tree symbolising hope, strength and life has begun to grow at Bishop Auckland Hospital – one fingerprint at a time.
A new wall mural at the hospital’s Mara Unit will gradually fill with the fingerprints of patients cared for by the service, with each print forming a leaf on its branches and representing an individual and their own journey.
The very first fingerprint has been added by Dame Sue Snowdon, who received chemotherapy at the Mara Unit after beginning treatment on Christmas Eve and completing it in June.
Dame Sue described being invited to make the first mark on the tree as a “huge privilege”.
She said: “The cancer journey is tough. It’s very, very tough. There are moments when you’re anxious and frightened, and then you’re surrounded by kindness and love, and it lifts you.
“For me, this tree is about hope and life. It has strong roots and shows strength and growth, and that’s what you must draw upon during a journey like this.
“Even being here and looking at it, knowing how many other people are going through something similar, I think that can be really reassuring. As more patients add their fingerprints, it will be wonderful to see it grow.”
Dame Sue, who recently retired after serving as His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, also spoke warmly about the care she received from colleagues at the Mara Unit.
She added: “The care here has been exemplary. Everyone takes the time to get to know you and you’re surrounded by people who lift you up when you need it. I can’t say enough about the team here.”
Having completed her own treatment, Dame Sue is now hoping to give something back to the unit and is undertaking the necessary steps to become a volunteer.
The idea for the mural came from colleagues at the Mara Unit, who wanted to create something positive and meaningful for the people receiving care there.
Michelle Mitchinson, Chemotherapy Sister at the Mara Unit, said: “We wanted to create something that reflects the people who come through the Mara Unit and the strength they show throughout their treatment.
“Cancer treatment can be an incredibly difficult and emotional journey, but there is also so much support, kindness and hope here. We hope the tree becomes a visual reminder to patients that they aren’t going through that journey alone.
“It was really special to have Sue add the very first fingerprint. Over time, we hope to see the branches fill with the fingerprints of our patients, with every one representing an individual and their own story.”
The mural also includes a robin, representing patients the team has sadly lost, alongside other details designed to reflect the life and activity of the unit.
As more fingerprints are added, the tree will continue to grow into a lasting representation of the patients, families and colleagues who make up the Mara Unit community.
