A special tree symbolising hope, strength and life has begun to grow at Bishop Auckland Hospital – one fingerprint at a time.
Dame Sue Snowdon has become the first patient to add her fingerprint to a new wall mural at the hospital’s Mara Unit, where she received chemotherapy treatment.
The tree has been created as a visual representation of the people cared for by the unit, with patients invited to add their fingerprints to its branches as leaves, gradually bringing the artwork to life.
Dame Sue began chemotherapy at the Mara Unit on Christmas Eve and completed her treatment in June. She was invited by the team to place the first fingerprint on the tree and is now preparing to return to the unit as a volunteer.
Dame Sue said: “It was a huge privilege to be asked to place the first fingerprint, and I was thrilled to pieces.
“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 praised the care and support 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.”
The idea for the mural came from colleagues within the Mara Unit, who wanted to create something positive and meaningful for patients receiving care there.
The artwork features three shades of green which patients can choose from when adding their fingerprint, alongside other details including a robin, which represents patients the team has sadly lost.
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.”
Dame Sue is now hoping to give something back to the unit which supported her through treatment by undertaking the necessary training to become a volunteer.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
