11-year-old cancer patient Willow Ward rings in the arrival of the new ‘end of treatment bell’ at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre

Posted 20th July 2015

Willow, from Stoke-on-Trent will be finishing a six week course of radiotherapy for a brain tumour on Tuesday 14th July, and to mark the brave achievement she will be the first patient at the region’s cancer centre to ring the ‘end of treatment bell’.

The bell has been provided by national charity ‘End of Treatment Bells UK’. The charming aim of the charity is to provide every cancer treatment facility in the UK with a special ‘end of treatment bell’ so paediatric patients can mark the end of their treatment with a ceremonious ring of the bell.

Paediatric radiographer Hannah Wilson said: “The idea is to give the children a public celebratory ‘graduation’ ceremony for getting through their treatment. We have a special bravery certificate for Willow too, so will be making a big fuss of her achievement and applauding her. It’s such a simple, but effective idea that the End of Treatment Bell UK charity has come up with. The children should be applauded for getting through their treatment. It’s a massive achievement for any patient. In fact a few of the adult patients have sneaked a ring of the bell on their last day too, and why not!”

Willow is now on the final part of her treatment. She had surgery first and has just finished 31 radiation treatments. She will have a six week break and then finish her treatment plan with intensive chemotherapy at Alder Hey hospital.

Willow’s mum, artist Elizabeth Ward, said: “I can’t find the words to express how wonderful the staff at Clatterbridge are. At the start of Willow’s treatment we were all frightened but thanks to the support we have received we have watched Willow grow in confidence and she is now sharing her confidence to help other children who are coming for treatment.

“We all have a special bond with the staff and during our visits there’s always been plenty of singing and lots of hugging going on. It’s great Willow is now at the end of her radiotherapy treatment and all of our family will be there on the day to watch her ring the bell.”

So far the national charity has provided 28 bells to cancer hospitals across the UK. The bell is mounted onto a rainbow adorned skyline backboard with the inscription: “Ring this bell three times well. Its toll to clearly say, my treatments done, this course is run and I am on my way.”