A breast cancer patient has helped create a quiet and relaxing space for others to wind down at Clatterbridge Hospital.

Stella Duncan from Parkgate has been under the care of the Wirral Breast Centre at Clatterbridge since she was diagnosed with cancer in May 2016.

Although pleased with the care that she has received, Stella felt that the centre was missing a relaxing space where patients could retreat to.

After talking to staff on the unit, Stella found that they had also discussed the idea and they decided to make their vision a reality.

Working alongside the hospital team to determine what was needed, Stella rose to the challenge securing donations including brand new furniture, a coffee machine, artwork, lighting and refreshments from a range of different businesses.

Stella said: “Wirral Breast Centre is small but extremely busy and although there was limited space available, I felt that it was important for people in stressful situations to have access to a private, comfortable and non-clinical environment.

"I am passionate about improving the patient experience and the staff really welcomed my support.

“I’m delighted with the end result and really hope that it makes a difference to people like me, who may be dealing with difficult news or are worried about their situation.

"Being able to help is one way of me coming to terms with what I’ve been through and I’m looking forward to doing even more.”

As a thank you for the care she received, Stella’s employer, supplied the seating for the quiet room and a whole range of other businesses also generously stepped in to help.

Stella’s family and friends also backed her efforts by donating crockery and glassware for the quiet room and donated towards magazine subscriptions for the Breast Centre in place of gifts for Stella's birthday this year.

Stella’s consultant, Shabbir Poonawala said: “Stella is doing a remarkable job, not just for the hospital but also for the wider community.

"We have wanted a quiet area for reflection on the unit for some time and it is wonderful that Stella has made it happen.

“We get some wonderful feedback from our patients and this can only help to make it even better. We are very grateful to have her support.”

Now a Wirral University Teaching Hospital charity volunteer fundraiser, Stella was behind the sell-out Mistletoe and Wine Evening at Claremont Farm before Christmas, which raised more than £2,000 for the centre.