As a Senior Arts Psychotherapist at The Royal Marsden, Alison supported patients and families through some of the most difficult times of their lives. Through art therapy, she helped people express themselves, process their emotions and come to terms with their diagnoses.
In 2020, Alison became a patient at The Royal Marsden herself after being diagnosed with angiosarcoma of the breast, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Alison was under the care of The Royal Marsden for two years. Throughout her treatment, she continued to draw and paint, drawing on the same creative skills she had spent her career sharing with others.
Sadly, Alison died in 2022. Her husband, Paul, remembers how important art was to her during her illness, and why he is continuing to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in her memory.
"She was always so positive"
“I met Alison when I was on a pub crawl in 1990. She was my wife for 29 years.
"When she was initially diagnosed with angiosarcoma of the breast, she was always so positive.”
Alison began chemotherapy at The Royal Marsden. After a break in her treatment, she and Paul travelled to Palma for a holiday. However, their trip was cut short when Alison became unwell.
They returned home, and just 12 days later, Alison sadly passed away.
“I’ve been through the whole experience of losing someone to cancer, which is extremely emotional and tough. The Royal Marsden looked after me and my children so well.”
Finding comfort through art
During her treatment, Alison found that the skills she had developed throughout her career as a Senior Arts Psychotherapist also helped her cope with her own diagnosis.
“In many ways, because she worked in an environment specialising in cancer treatment, I know being a Senior Arts Psychotherapist helped her come to terms with the cancer she was dealing with.
“She was able to implement the skills she had learned. She asked me to bring her artwork to The Royal Marsden in Chelsea because that’s how she supported cancer patients to deal with their cancer – through art therapy.”
For Alison, painting offered a welcome break from the reality of treatment.
“It gave her respite from the treatment that she was receiving and it could bring her happiness. It enabled her to be a normal person, doing her painting and not worrying about what she was going through.”
A much-loved arts therapist
Alison was passionate about her work as a Senior Arts Psychotherapist, and the people she supported valued her deeply.
“She had got to where she wanted to be as the Senior Arts Psychotherapist. Had she not passed away, she would never have left that job. She was blissfully happy.
“Some of the patients actually wrote to her. They were extremely appreciative of the time and effort she spent, not only with them, but also helping the parents of young children who were terminally ill.
“She would give herself to them 100%.”
Paul’s motorbike challenge
To honour Alison’s memory and thank The Royal Marsden for the care she and her family received, Paul decided to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Last year, he took on a three-week motorbike journey across the UK. His ‘Three Islands Tour’ took him to the Isle of Wight, Isle of Man and Ireland, raising more than £2,000 for the Charity.
“It rained every day of the tour – especially when I was in Ireland – but this didn’t dampen my spirits. I was warmly welcomed by everyone.”
In September this year, Paul took on his next challenge: EURO 3000, a 29-day motorbike tour across Europe. His route took him through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy before returning through France.
Watch Paul talk about his latest fundraising challenge
Why The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity?
For Paul, fundraising is a way of keeping Alison’s memory alive while supporting an organisation that meant so much to her, both as a member of staff and as a patient.
“I’m over the moon to have done it for the second year,” he says.
“The Royal Marsden couldn’t have done more in terms of treating her. She was extremely happy with the treatment. Alison loved working here, and she would have been immensely happy about me raising money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
“I think Alison will be pleased with what I’m doing because she loved The Royal Marsden so much. As my daughter said to me, she’d be very proud.”
Paul also feels strongly about the wider impact of The Royal Marsden’s work.
"The Royal Marsden has a worldwide reputation. The work they do has an impact on cancer treatments through the UK and elsewhere. Their kindness and their support know no boundaries."
Care beyond cancer treatment
At The Royal Marsden, we understand that caring for people with cancer extends beyond medical treatment.
Creative activities can provide a welcome distraction from treatment and give patients opportunities to express themselves, connect with others and focus on something beyond their cancer.
Our Arts Programme offers creative activities designed to support patients’ mental and physical wellbeing, including opportunities to make, create and exhibit artwork.
The programme was made possible thanks to support from The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Your support helps us continue funding vital projects like the Arts Programme, giving patients moments of creativity, connection and respite during their cancer journey.