Testimonials

Jade Smith: The day my 18 month was diagnosed was the worst day of my life. We were diagnosed in our local hospital in Inverness and were then transferred by ambulance to the nearest children’s hospital which was Aberdeen. We arrived tired and emotional at midnight and the first thing I saw as we arrived on the ward was the bell. At that point I promised my little girl we would fight and do everything we could to hear her ring it. We had 6 long months as inpatients made all the harder with it being during covid so no visits from anyone including her dad, but we heard the bell ring out as other children completed their journeys and the sound gave me hope. On the 2nd of July 2020 it was finally Emma’s turn, she’d overcome AML, a stroke, sepsis, and when she rang that bell I cried tears of joy that we were finally on the way to the start of the next journey. Even now almost a year in just watching the video back and hearing that bell brings me so much joy, the bell is such a beacon of hope and celebration especially in the dark days.

Sophie Foulger: I cannot begin to tell you how happy I was when I heard about End of Treatment Bell. My brilliant friend was undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy following a diagnosis of breast cancer. Her goal through the exhausting treatment was to ‘get it done and ring that bell!’ She underwent treatment through the pandemic and lockdowns and sadly her hospital removed their ceremonial bell (because it’s one HECK of a celebration) due to covid. I found End of Treatment Bells and we were able to get the bell in place at her home for a socially distanced surprise! It was incredibly emotional and brought a little closure to her lengthy and challenging journey. It’s such an amazing thing to have people who go to huge lengths to communicate and deliver, hassle and cost free bells. What an amazing service.

The Blackburn Family: Our daughter was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia shortly after her 3rd birthday. Hearing that she would be 5 and a 1/2 before she finished treatment was unbelievable. Within a few days of treatment beginning, we were on our way to the hospital playroom, when we saw a crowd of doctors, nurses and family members congregating around a young girl about to ring the end of treatment bell. They ushered us past and I whispered ‘congratulations’ in shock and awe at the monumental moment about to take place in her life. Throughout Poppy’s treatment, I’ve kept that little girl and that moment firmly in my mind, waiting for the day when it would be our turn to be that family. Each visit to the hospital, we walked past that bell and it really helped all of us to visualise the end of treatment. I think that especially as Poppy was so young at diagnosis, it really helped to mark the end of hospital stays and medication in a really positive way. We treasure the photos and memories from that day and are so grateful to End of Treatment bells for making it possible. Particularly, as it happened mid-pandemic and they very kindly loaned us a bell so that this special moment could take place outside. Thank you for everything you have done for our family and many others like ours.

Meryl Ringland: I was only vaguely aware of 'the bell' It's not something I'd really thought about but that changed once I started my treatment at The Christie. During my first chemotherapy session, I heard it being rung. There was clapping, cheering and smiles within the unit. That's when I realised that the day couldn't come soon enough for it to be my turn and it gave me something to focus on. 4 months later, I gently rang the bell. I actually got to ring it again after my intensive course of radiotherapy as this signified my actual end of my active treatment. 3 gentle dings of the bell, uncontrollable tears and much gratitude that the worst 10 months of my life were over. Thank you for all you do in providing the bells x