Sandy’s photos spark memories and raise funds for Maggie’s Fife

The power of a photo to spark special memories is helping one Fife man through dealing with cancer diagnosis during lockdown.

Sandy Powell was inspired to create a website filled with images of his life and loved ones by our Maggie’s Centre.

It’s just one of personal, touching ways our cancer care centre can help people dealing with cancer while social distancing and isolation are keeping them apart from loved ones.

That’s why so many people have donated so generously to a £10,000 fundraising appeal to ensure the centre continues to support Fifers living with cancer through lockdown and beyond.

The building is currently being used as a respite hub for frontline health workers, but Maggie’s continues to offer support by phone and online.

And it was a call to Sandy, from Coaltown of Wemyss, which inspired him to create his website.

He was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer after helping his wife through her own recovery from the disease, and also coming to terms with the loss of his closest friend of 50 years.

Like many, he has had todeal with his own diagnosis - he was given the news in January after returning from holiday - while social distancing is in place.

His call to our Maggie’s Centre was a lifeline to lift his spirits.

It started out about financial support, and went on to wrap a caring arm around him.

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Sandy said: “I got a call from Melanie, Maggie’s benefit adviser. I would not have known where to start nor complete the procedure without her guidance.

“She wasn’t just a guide but a lovely lady, I enjoy our chats.

“Alison also talked about the emotional side and how to better cope.

“Sandra, my wife, felt so comfortable chatting with her too - she has made us all feel so much better in dealing with it all and perhaps giving us a purpose to get things done reminding ourselves of the good times.”

That prompted Sandy to bring his own memories to life.

He said: “Now more than any other time I realise just how important it is to remind myself of how lucky I have been - so, I have been putting together a collection of slide shows of friends, family, and places of fun stuff. “

Alison Allan, centre head, said, finding ways to connect with people during isolation and distancing was hugely important for people living with a cancer diagnosis.

She said: “I am so pleased Sandy has put some time into creating his website of memories with photos that can be enjoyed again and again.

“ It can be really hard to be away from loved ones as we are socially distant but even harder when time is so precious, and this is a great way to feel connected with those you love.”

Mel Bunce, benefits adviser said: “During this emergency, people with cancer are still dealing with their own challenges.

“The coronavirus will dramatically help alleviate the extra costs incurred due to diagnosis and social isolation such as extra heating, laundry and petrol costs.”

See Sandy’s web HERE Sandy Powell’s photo fundraiser

Donate to Maggie’s Fife HERE Maggie’s Fife £10,000 fundraising appeal