Sylvia Street, from St Alban’s, was diagnosed with cancer at the end of last year, and is having treatment at the moment. She and Ken are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Sylvia writes:

During this bewildering time - cancer happens to other people, not me - and unexpected stay in hospital there were many oases of sheer delight:

'The benison of hot water.'

Bed socks.

A bowl of jelly after no food and little water.

The earnest young medical student taking my medical history. ‘And are both your parents alive and well?’ I am 74. I resisted the temptation to say ‘Yes, and they have just taken up Volley-Ball and Hang-gliding.’

Time to watch the pigeons taking off and soaring into the sky over the hospital roof.

The kindness and care of most of the staff, medical, nursing and ancillary - and love in action shown by patients to each other.

Visits from relatives and friends.

Cards and messages - 'Get well now, Grandma' from Georgia and a signed card from you at St Alban’s.

Gary's card - 'In quietness and trust is your strength'.

Thank you all so much for keeping me in your prayers. God Bless.