In Memory of Jenny Lee

If any of you has read more than one copy of In Circulation, you will know that Jenny Lee has been an enthusiastic contributor over the past two years, writing articles, dispensing handy hints and passing on any snippets of information she felt might be of interest or help to other patients and their relatives.

Despite her illness, she also managed to take some GCSE's and an A level, raise money for Leukaemia Research and of course go to friends' fancy dress parties and the like, whenever treatment allowed. She was even out "partying" the weekend before she was admitted to hospital last October. Sadly, however, the illness finally got the batter of her and she died in January.

I know Jenny would have wanted me to thank Dr Lucas and the team for their unstinting care and attention and it says it all that in the end she came to regard many of them as friends. As for Jenny, I hope she will be remembered with affection, and not least for her great enthusiasm for life - she managed to live every moment of it.

Her Mum, Janet Lee
This photo of Jenny was taken the weekend before she went into hospital last October.

My Family by Camella Davis My name is Camella Davis and I am 12 years old. My mum, Sylvia Warmington, has attended the Haematology Clinic for many years. My hobbies are cross country, gymnastics and swimming. When I am older, I would like to become a successful runner or a famous children’s or adult author, like Roald Dahl. I have a 15-year old brother, Earl, who is fanatical about football and basketball. Mum and I are really excited for Earl, as he has just been signed to play for Burnley football team for three years. My mum is 36 years old, and her hobbies are learning about Beauty Therapy. She is a student at Wythenshawe College. Mum unfortunately suffers from a disease called “Sickle-Cell” which causes her red blood cells, which are normally elliptical - to become sickle shaped. This causes severe pain, and sometimes she needs to be submitted to hospital. Sickle-cell is an inherited disease, and in my mum’s case she inherited it from her parents. Even though my mum has lots of pain, she looks after us very well. Earl and I also try to look after her as best we can. I love my mum very much. The poem I have written is how I think my mum feels when she is in hospital. If anyone would like to write to Camella, perhaps because you share similar circumstances, she would love to hear from you. Please write to Camella Davis, c/o Gill McGlade, Social Work Department, Manchester Royal Infirmary, 10 Lorne Street, Manchester. The Hospital Patient Lying still on my uncomfortable bed how much I wish I were at home instead. Up all night couldn't get no sleep Loud patients making noise in their sleep. Finally the noise died down, Silence finally came around. On the dim lit walls I could see Shadows of trees Swaying with the breeze Outside where my freedom was unable to be.