Huntingdonshire chemotherapy nurse sets up fundraiser for Woodlands Cancer Centre at Hinchingbrooke Hospital
The Skyliners playing for Woodlands Appeal, Andrea Brennan with the poster - Credit: Archant
ANDREA Brennan says she is a happy person who loves her job because she enjoys meeting people and it’s different every day. And what she does helps save lives.
The 55-year-old is a senior chemotherapy nurse at the Woodlands Cancer Centre, Huntingdon, where she has worked since 2005.
Putting people’s minds at rest is a crucial part of her role – particularly as most are still coming to terms with being told they have cancer.
“Some patients are terrified of the diagnosis and how chemo is going to affect them and what side effects they will have,” she said. “After being here a few hours, with lots of reassurance and tender loving care, they go out very reassured.”
Patience, understanding and a good listening ear are all skills required to work at the Hinchingbrooke Hospital unit, says Mrs Brennan, who has been a nurse since she was 18.
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She spent 10 years as a district nurse, five covering Kimbolton and Great Staughton and five in St Neots, before joining the Woodlands team.
“I just love helping people and making them feel more comfortable while having their treatment,” said Mrs Brennan, who is married to Graham and has two children.
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“You don’t just treat the patients, you treat the whole family.”
Like many of the staff at Woodlands, Mrs Brennan has also become a part-time event organiser to help raise the £800,000 needed for the centre’s extension. She has experience of fundraising, mainly barn dances for Woodlands, and has come up with a music and picnic night.
There will be dancing, with popular covers band The Skyliners lined up to play hits from the 50s right up to the noughties.
INFORMATION: Buckden Village Hall, 7.30pm on Saturday, September 21. Bring your own picnic and drinks. Tickets are £20 and available by calling 01480 416283 or 01832 710564. Booking is essential.
