Staff in the Macmillan Unit at the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) have expressed their gratitude to a local community interest company that donates special experience days to women who have finished, or are undergoing, their cancer treatment.
Now some of those patients are taking part in a fashion show on Thursday, 9 October in Bury St Edmunds, to raise funds so that more people can enjoy the special days.
Dream On is a boutique based in Eye which works with five NHS trusts and hospices in our region, offering free makeover days to cancer patients. The initiative is run by Bridget McIntyre and Amanda Church, who have been friends for 40 years.
Bridget said: “Dream On was established in 2010 to fulfil a social purpose, it has always been not for profit, and we have certainly learned along the way. When the shop opened, we had fashion shows and makeover days and ran a competition which was won by a woman with cancer.
“She had an amazing day, and we decided we could offer this more broadly, and so far we have provided free makeover days for hundreds of women. We are increasing this amount to 240 women this year alone, to give them a real boost.”
Amanda explained: “At each event, six women are welcomed with a glass of fizz to the boutique. They have their hair or wig restyled, a makeup lesson, time with nail technician for a manicure or gel nail polish, and advice on outfits and styles. Before and after photos are taken, they have lunch and the chance to meet other people dealing with cancer. One of the most rewarding things has been to see friendships being formed.”
Mary Smith, 77, is one of the models taking part in the show on 9 October, and has had a Dream On day at Eye. She said: “I cried when I opened the envelope and saw the invitation – it was the most wonderful day. I’m very excited about the show and looking forward to going to the fitting for the outfits.”
Mary, who lives in Stowmarket, has been cared for at the West Suffolk Hospital since being diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2023. “I was in the hospital being treated for a hiatus hernia, and I had a CT scan. The wonderful radiographer noticed a lesion on my left breast, and I was diagnosed with a stage 3 cancer. I had a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and now I am on various medications, but I’m still here! I am eternally thankful to the West Suffolk Hospital.”
Diane Martyn, who has had treatment for bowel cancer at WSFT over a number of years, enjoyed “the Dream On experience” in December 2024. Diane volunteers at the Macmillan Information Centre based at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury and is also involved in Macmillan Cancer Support’s Hope Course, a self-management programme helping people with their general wellbeing.
She said: “The Dream On day was wonderful. I went with my sister and the minute we arrived we were welcomed with warmth and kindness. I felt very special, that people were caring for me, showing me how to make the best of myself. The team gave me support and guidance, a make-up lesson, and the chance to try on clothes with advice from stylists – and I had gel nails for Christmas! It made me more adventurous.”
Julie Parker, manager of Macmillan Information Services at WSFT, said: “I can’t express how wonderful the feedback is we get from our patients, the day really helps rebuild people’s confidence. We are so grateful to the Dream On team.”
Some of the women being cared for by the WSFT are now going to take part in a sold-out fashion show, being held on Thursday, 9 October at the Eastern Education Group University and Professional Development Centre, 73 Western Way, Bury St Edmunds IP33 3SP.
The event is co-hosted by Mark Murphy, MBE, radio presenter and CEO of Cancer Support Suffolk. Bridget said: “This is one of the fundraising events we organise to help us offer these days to more women. We’re so delighted that WSFT patients will be joining on our experienced models at this huge, celebratory show.”